Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in St. Charles, IL: $42.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in St. Charles, IL runs $42.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,062 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against St. Charles's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,837 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In St. Charles, IL, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist earns a median hourly rate of $42.34, which is notably below the national median of $48.21. This disparity can have significant implications for both full-time and part-time workers. For those working part-time, such as a technologist on a three-day schedule, this hourly rate can translate into a manageable yet variable income dependent on scheduling. Per-diem opportunities also present a lucrative option; in various clinical settings—ranging from hospital MRI suites to outpatient imaging centers—hourly earnings can vary significantly. Within St. Charles, the hourly wage range runs from $31.04 for entry-level positions to $53.12 for top earners, reflecting differing levels of experience and specialization.
About the St. Charles 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) | $31.04 | $248.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.83 | $286.61 |
| Median (P50) | $42.34 | $338.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.67 | $365.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.12 | $424.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Charles
Based on $42.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.34/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Charles, IL can expect to earn approximately $88,062 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,805. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Charles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Charles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,693.50 | $7,339 | $88,062 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,016.10 | $4,403 | $52,837 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $677.40 | $2,935 | $35,225 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (St. Charles) | $42.34 |
| 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 St. Charles, IL earn a median of $88,062 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $89,313.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.34/hr = $52,837/year (purchasing power: $54,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,062/year (purchasing power: $90,692).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in St. Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Charles grew 30.1% from $30.99/hr (2019) to $40.31/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.47/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 St. Charles 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 St. Charles
For part-time professionals, splitting hours into a 24-hour workweek means bringing home approximately $51,000 annually, as opposed to a full-time earning potential. The per-diem market is even more enticing, with MRI technologists billing anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour, and cardiac MRI specialists reaching rates between $75 to $110. Travel contracts offer even higher compensation, averaging between $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, which can be especially appealing for those seeking flexibility. Employers like hospitals and imaging centers might offer more stable hours but may lack the pay premiums of per-diem or travel roles. Additionally, technologists must weigh benefits against higher hourly rates, as some positions offer comprehensive health insurance that can be invaluable. Understanding how to negotiate based on these elements is key for those looking to maximize their magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in St. Charles.
More salary data for St. Charles, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Charles in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in St. Charles?
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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 St. Charles. 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 St. Charles 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