Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Elgin, IL: $50.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Elgin, IL runs $50.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,852 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Elgin's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,917 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elgin, Illinois, the median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist reaches $50.41, surpassing the national median of $48.21. This competitive hourly rate provides attractive earning potential for both part-time workers, such as those scheduling shifts for three days a week, and per-diem technologists who may operate in various settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and even mobile MRI trailers. The hourly earnings for entry-level technologists start at approximately $36.91, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $69.21 per hour. Such figures highlight the demand for skilled MRI technologists in Elgin, particularly given the city's diverse healthcare landscape, which includes specialties in cardiac and breast imaging.
About the Elgin 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) | $36.91 | $295.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.00 | $336.01 |
| Median (P50) | $50.41 | $403.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.20 | $457.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.21 | $553.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elgin
Based on $50.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.41/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elgin, IL can expect to earn approximately $104,862 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,497. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elgin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elgin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,016.58 | $8,738 | $104,862 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,209.95 | $5,243 | $62,917 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $806.63 | $3,495 | $41,945 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Elgin) | $50.41 |
| 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 Elgin, IL earn a median of $104,852 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.56% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 17.40% above the Illinois state average of $89,312.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.41/hr = $62,917/year (purchasing power: $64,796).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,862/year (purchasing power: $107,994).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Elgin grew 30.1% from $36.90/hr (2019) to $48.00/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.95/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 Elgin 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 Elgin
For those considering part-time roles, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week could take home around $62,039 annually, a solid income compared to many professions. The per diem opportunities are enticing as well; MRI techs often bill between $55 to $85 hourly, with specialized cardiac MRI positions offering $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts can yield weekly earnings between $2,200 and $3,400, particularly appealing for those open to mobility within the field. Job settings affect compensation as well; positions in hospital imaging departments may offer more stability and benefits, while outpatient centers and mobile companies often provide higher hourly rates but less job security. For Elgin technologists, negotiating pay rates involves weighing hourly wages against the inclusion of health benefits, enabling professionals to choose an arrangement that aligns best with their career and financial goals.
More salary data for Elgin, 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 Elgin. 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 Elgin 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