Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Evanston, IL: $42.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Evanston, IL runs $42.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Evanston's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is set at a median of $42.71 as of 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This discrepancy can affect part-time workers who typically operate three days a week, allowing them to earn approximately $2,054 on a weekly basis. For per-diem MRI technologists, the hourly pay can range even wider, depending on various settings, including traditional hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and even mobile MRI trailers. Entry-level positions may start at an hourly rate of around $29.57, while the most experienced technologists in Evanston can earn up to $58.52 hourly. Understanding these figures allows professionals in this field to better assess their earning potential as they navigate various employment opportunities.
About the Evanston 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) | $29.57 | $236.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.00 | $279.97 |
| Median (P50) | $42.71 | $341.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.73 | $389.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.52 | $468.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evanston
Based on $42.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.71/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evanston, IL can expect to earn approximately $88,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,246. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evanston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evanston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,708.21 | $7,402 | $88,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,024.92 | $4,441 | $53,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $683.28 | $2,961 | $35,531 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Evanston) | $42.71 |
| 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 Evanston, IL earn a median of $88,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $89,374.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.71/hr = $53,296/year (purchasing power: $54,888).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,827/year (purchasing power: $91,480).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Evanston grew 30.1% from $31.26/hr (2019) to $40.66/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.85/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 Evanston 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 Evanston
Analyzing the financial prospects for magnetic resonance imaging technologists reveals the impact of work arrangements on income. A 24-hour work week for a part-time imaging technologist translates to an annual income of about $53,800, significantly less than what a full-time technologist would command. Meanwhile, per diem workers in the Evanston area can command rates that vary, with standard billing between $55 to $85 per hour in general MRI, while specialized cardiac MRI can push this figure as high as $110. Furthermore, varied employer types—like hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI services—offer differing pay scales that professionals should consider when weighing benefits, such as health insurance against potentially higher hourly rates without them. It's crucial for MRI technologists in Evanston to negotiate effectively based on their specific role and working conditions, optimizing their hourly pay in this vital healthcare segment.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Evanston in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Evanston?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Evanston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Evanston?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Evanston?
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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 Evanston. 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 Evanston 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