Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $40.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Elmhurst, IL runs $40.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,512 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,714 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmhurst, Illinois, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected at $40.64 for 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.21, reflecting regional economic conditions and demand for radiologic specialties in the area. For part-time workers, typically engaged three days a week, earnings could amount to approximately $31,000 annually, depending on hours worked and workload. Additionally, per-diem positions in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and specialized MRI units often yield higher compensation, making it an appealing choice for flexible work schedules. In Elmhurst, hourly wages for MRI technologists range from $30.40 at entry-level positions to as much as $51.80 for experienced professionals, indicating varied financial opportunities within this field based on expertise and work environment.
About the Elmhurst 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) | $30.40 | $243.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.83 | $278.62 |
| Median (P50) | $40.64 | $325.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.20 | $353.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.80 | $414.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $40.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.64/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $84,523 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,763. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,625.44 | $7,044 | $84,523 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $975.27 | $4,226 | $50,714 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $650.18 | $2,817 | $33,809 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Elmhurst) | $40.64 |
| 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 Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $84,512 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.73% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $89,337.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.64/hr = $50,714/year (purchasing power: $52,228).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,523/year (purchasing power: $87,047).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Elmhurst grew 30.1% from $29.75/hr (2019) to $38.69/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.68/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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
When evaluating their income potential, part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working 24 hours a week could take home significantly less compared to their full-time counterparts. The flexibility of per-diem and locum tenens roles offers higher rates, with many billing between $55 and $85 per hour. Specialized cardiac MRI roles can demand even greater rates, running as high as $110 per hour, which makes these positions attractive for those willing to work on a contract basis. In Elmhurst, compensation can vary depending on the employer type; for instance, hospital departments might offer lower base rates than private outpatient facilities or mobile services that compete for talent. This variation leads some MRI technologists to consider the trade-offs of accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others prefer higher pay without benefits. Negotiating these terms effectively can hinge on one’s specialty expertise and willingness to work in high-demand areas, such as cardiac or prostate imaging, ensuring a sustainable and financially rewarding career in radiologic technology within the local job market.
More salary data for Elmhurst, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Elmhurst in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Elmhurst?
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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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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