Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Oak Lawn, IL: $41.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Oak Lawn, IL runs $41.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,055 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Oak Lawn's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,234 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Oak Lawn, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist's hourly rate is projected to be $41.85 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This implies that professionals working part-time or on a per-diem basis may not enjoy the same financial flexibility as their counterparts in other regions. For instance, a technologist working three days a week at 24 hours could expect to see a paycheck that translates into a viable monthly income, though it would still be less than full-time earnings. The hourly pay range for this role varies, with entry-level positions starting at around $30.81 while top earners can make as much as $55.77 per hour, offering a wide scope depending on experience, skills, and the specific settings they operate in, such as outpatient imaging centers or mobile MRI units.
About the Oak Lawn 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) | $30.81 | $246.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.87 | $278.96 |
| Median (P50) | $41.85 | $334.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.68 | $373.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.77 | $446.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Lawn
Based on $41.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.85/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Lawn, IL can expect to earn approximately $87,057 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,225. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Lawn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Lawn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,674.18 | $7,255 | $87,057 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,004.51 | $4,353 | $52,234 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.67 | $2,902 | $34,823 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Oak Lawn) | $41.85 |
| 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 Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $87,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.19% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $89,379.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.85/hr = $52,234/year (purchasing power: $53,794).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,057/year (purchasing power: $89,657).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oak Lawn grew 30.1% from $30.64/hr (2019) to $39.85/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.96/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 Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time professionals, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week could bring home around $52,017 per year, providing a reasonable income, albeit less than those employed full-time. Meanwhile, per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Oak Lawn can vary significantly, with rates commonly reaching between $55 and $85 per hour. In specialized areas like cardiac MRI, per-diem roles can command even higher pay, with hourly rates hitting between $75 and $110. There’s also a strong market for travel positions in Oak Lawn, where contracts might yield weekly earnings of $2,200 to $3,400. When assessing job offers, many technologists choose to prioritize health benefits over higher hourly pay, especially since certain positions may not offer benefits. It's advisable for those considering hourly work to be informed and assertive in negotiations, particularly regarding shifts and overtime, to maximize their compensation and work-life balance.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oak Lawn in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Oak Lawn?
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Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Lawn?
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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 Oak Lawn. 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 Oak Lawn 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