Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $42.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Joliet, IL runs $42.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,763 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,257 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Joliet, Illinois, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to reach $42.67 by 2026. This rate is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21, indicating a slight regional disparity. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates into an annual income of approximately $33,200, allowing for a reasonable income while maintaining work-life balance. Per-diem positions, often found in settings ranging from hospital MRI suites to outpatient imaging centers, can offer rates within a broader scope. Entry-level technologists may earn around $30.92 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized environments can make up to $57.95, demonstrating diverse earning potential across the field in Joliet.
About the Joliet 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) | $30.92 | $247.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.11 | $288.87 |
| Median (P50) | $42.67 | $341.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.04 | $384.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.95 | $463.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $42.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.67/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $88,761 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,208. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,706.95 | $7,397 | $88,761 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,024.17 | $4,438 | $53,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $682.78 | $2,959 | $35,505 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Joliet) | $42.67 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $88,763 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.49% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $89,299.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.67/hr = $53,257/year (purchasing power: $54,847).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,761/year (purchasing power: $91,412).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Joliet grew 30.1% from $31.24/hr (2019) to $40.63/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.82/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
Several factors influence earnings for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Joliet. For those choosing to work part-time, the difference in annual earnings compared to full-time can be significant, especially when weighing benefits such as health insurance against higher hourly pay rates. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Joliet can vary widely, with some professionals billing between $55 to $85 per hour; for cardiac MRI specialists, rates can reach as high as $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts also present lucrative opportunities, offering weekly pay between $2,200 to $3,400. Job settings further affect hourly rates; for instance, hospital imaging departments might offer lower rates compared to mobile MRI companies or orthopedic practices that require onsite imaging. Technologists in Joliet can enhance their negotiations with a clear understanding of the local job market and by considering the total value of their compensation, rather than focusing solely on the hourly rate.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Joliet in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Joliet?
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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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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