Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $50.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Chicago, IL runs $50.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,797 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,481 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chicago, IL can expect a median hourly pay of $50.87, which is significantly above the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This competitive pay structure reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in the field, particularly as they work in diverse environments such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile trailers, and specialized research labs. For individuals considering part-time roles—such as working three days a week—this hourly rate offers a solid income, especially when balanced against the costs associated with living in an urban setting. The hourly range for MRI technologists in Chicago varies, with entry-level positions starting around $40.83, while experienced professionals can earn up to $55.32 per hour, presenting attractive options for newly credentialed technologists pursuing opportunities in a bustling market.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.83 | $326.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.66 | $341.31 |
| Median (P50) | $50.87 | $406.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.40 | $419.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.32 | $442.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $50.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.87/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $105,801 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,039. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,034.64 | $8,817 | $105,801 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,220.78 | $5,290 | $63,481 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $813.86 | $3,527 | $42,321 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chicago) | $50.87 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chicago, IL earn a median of $105,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.50% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 18.40% above the Illinois state average of $89,355.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.87/hr = $63,481/year (purchasing power: $61,278).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,801/year (purchasing power: $102,130).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chicago grew 34.6% from $35.97/hr (2019) to $48.43/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.42/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Chicago
Transitioning to the financial landscape of part-time and per-diem work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working a typical 3-day week (approximately 24 hours) would take home about $63,000 annually, making it a viable choice for many seeking flexible employment. Meanwhile, per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Chicago tends to be higher, with rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour for standard MRI services, and even more for subspecialties like cardiac MRI, which can command $75-$110 per hour. Different employer types also influence pay rates significantly; those working in major hospital imaging departments may earn differently compared to those employed at outpatient clinics or through traveling tech agencies. Furthermore, the choice often arises between accepting lower hourly rates for full-time benefits or opting for higher hourly wages without them. Negotiation strategies in this dynamic market are essential; technologists can leverage their specialization, particularly in cardiac and mpMRI areas, to negotiate pay commensurate with their skills while considering the flexibility offered by per-diem roles.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)
Career Analyst
Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
Compiled and verified by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov