Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $41.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Des Plaines, IL runs $41.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,368 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,815 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Plaines, Illinois, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $41.52, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This figure reflects not only the competitive nature of the field but also the potential earnings for part-time and per-diem positions across various imaging settings, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient clinics, and even mobile MRI services. The hourly pay ranges widely, from about $30.21 at the entry-level to $54.68 for the top earners in the region. These estimates are derived from the projected annual salary data for 2026, illustrating the various tiers that professionals can expect within their careers as they navigate opportunities in Des Plaines.
About the Des Plaines 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) | $30.21 | $241.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.21 | $273.67 |
| Median (P50) | $41.52 | $332.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.93 | $367.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.68 | $437.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $41.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.52/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $86,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,822. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,660.73 | $7,197 | $86,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.44 | $4,318 | $51,815 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.29 | $2,879 | $34,543 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Des Plaines) | $41.52 |
| 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 Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $86,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.88% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $89,316.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.52/hr = $51,815/year (purchasing power: $53,362).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,358/year (purchasing power: $88,937).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Des Plaines grew 30.1% from $30.39/hr (2019) to $39.53/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.61/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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
For those considering part-time work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Des Plaines, working just 24 hours a week could yield substantial annual earnings, though full-time positions typically offer higher overall compensation. Per-diem opportunities present another lucrative path; MRI techs can often charge between $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized roles like cardiac MRI potentially reaching $75 to $110 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts can be particularly profitable, fetching rates that range from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly. However, it's essential to recognize the trade-off between hourly rates and benefits, as some technologists might opt for lower pay in exchange for health insurance and other perks. Variations in rates can be seen across different employers in the area—from hospitals to outpatient centers, and even travel agencies—which means negotiation skills are crucial for maximizing pay while considering the specific benefits offered by each employer in Des Plaines.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Des Plaines in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Des Plaines?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Des Plaines paid hourly or salary?
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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 Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines 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