Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Crystal Lake, IL: $40.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Crystal Lake, IL runs $40.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Crystal Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,042 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Crystal Lake's magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $40.90, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate allows for diverse working arrangements, particularly for part-time technologists who might work three days a week in settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or even mobile MRI trailers. For those who take on per-diem positions, the flexibility can translate into varying income levels, depending on the demand and specific employer requirements. Entry-level technologists in Crystal Lake can expect to earn around $31.03 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates as high as $54.11 per hour, illustrating a substantial range of pay based on experience and specialization.
About the Crystal Lake Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.03 | $248.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.38 | $283.08 |
| Median (P50) | $40.90 | $327.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.69 | $365.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.11 | $432.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Crystal Lake
Based on $40.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.90/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Crystal Lake, IL can expect to earn approximately $85,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,078. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Crystal Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Crystal Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,635.95 | $7,089 | $85,069 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $981.57 | $4,253 | $51,042 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $654.38 | $2,836 | $34,028 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Crystal Lake) | $40.90 |
| 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 Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $85,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.17% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $89,364.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.90/hr = $51,042/year (purchasing power: $52,566).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,069/year (purchasing power: $87,610).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Crystal Lake grew 30.1% from $29.94/hr (2019) to $38.94/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.96/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 Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
Prospective MRI technologists considering part-time opportunities can compare their annual take-home pay based on a 24-hour work week against full-time counterparts. When selecting per-diem or agency work, they often find varying hourly pay rates that can reach as high as $55-$85, especially for cardiac MRI roles, where demand is high. Travel contracts also present lucrative options, with weekly salaries sometimes hitting $2,200-$3,400. Different employer types in Crystal Lake influence hourly rates significantly; for instance, hospital imaging departments may offer more stability but lower pay compared to outpatient centers and mobile MRI companies. Many technologists make a conscious choice between the higher hourly rates without benefits and the more stable, lower rates that come with health insurance options. Effective negotiation strategies involve understanding the local market value, articulating specialization benefits, and emphasizing any additional credentials such as ARRT(MR) or MRSO certification to secure a better pay rate.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Crystal Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Crystal Lake?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Crystal Lake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Crystal Lake?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Crystal Lake?
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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 Crystal Lake. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Crystal Lake is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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