Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Waukegan, IL: $43.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Waukegan, IL runs $43.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,468 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Waukegan's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,676 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, Illinois, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at a median of $43.01, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This discrepancy can impact professionals working part-time or per-diem arrangements, typically seen in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For those working 24-hour weeks over three days, this median provides a solid potential income. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $30.27 per hour, while experienced specialists can command up to $59.66 per hour. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections, offering insight into compensation across a range of experience levels and work environments within Waukegan.
About the Waukegan 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) | $30.27 | $242.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.61 | $284.84 |
| Median (P50) | $43.01 | $344.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.75 | $381.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.66 | $477.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukegan
Based on $43.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.01/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukegan, IL can expect to earn approximately $89,460 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,612. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukegan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukegan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,720.39 | $7,455 | $89,460 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,032.23 | $4,473 | $53,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $688.16 | $2,982 | $35,784 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Waukegan) | $43.01 |
| 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 Waukegan, IL earn a median of $89,468 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.78% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $89,378.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.01/hr = $53,676/year (purchasing power: $55,279).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,460/year (purchasing power: $92,132).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waukegan grew 30.1% from $31.48/hr (2019) to $40.95/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.17/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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working three days per week can expect a reasonable annual income based on the hourly pay, taking home about $53,336 at the current rate. In contrast, full-time technologists have access to benefits that part-time workers may forgo. For those seeking flexibility in their work hours, per-diem roles can lead to more lucrative opportunities. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Waukegan often lies within the range of $55 to $85 an hour, while cardiac MRI specialists might earn between $75 and $110 per hour, depending on the assignment. Employers such as hospitals tend to offer steadier pay but may provide less flexibility compared to outpatient centers or travel agencies, where compensation can vary widely. Technologists should consider how trade-offs between pay and benefits might influence their employment decisions, especially in an evolving field where demand for specialized roles continues to rise.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waukegan in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Waukegan?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waukegan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Waukegan?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Waukegan?
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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 Waukegan. 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 Waukegan 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