Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Ames, IA: $43.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Ames, IA runs $43.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,212 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Ames's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,122 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ames, Iowa, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $43.37, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This disparity can influence part-time practitioners and those seeking per-diem roles, who might find work in a variety of settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or even mobile MRI units. For part-time workers operating three days a week, typically encompassing around 24 hours, the potential income can be a significant factor in their financial planning. With an hourly range stretching from $30.07 for entry-level positions to $59.60 for highly experienced technologists, opportunities in Ames can be quite diverse and competitive, drawing on the increasing demand for specialized MRI skills that reflect broader industry trends.
About the Ames Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.07 | $240.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.57 | $284.59 |
| Median (P50) | $43.37 | $346.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.46 | $395.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.60 | $476.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ames
Based on $43.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.37/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ames, IA can expect to earn approximately $90,203 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,040. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ames.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ames
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,734.68 | $7,517 | $90,203 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,040.81 | $4,510 | $54,122 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $693.87 | $3,007 | $36,081 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Ames) | $43.37 |
| 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 Ames, IA earn a median of $90,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.50% below the Iowa state average of $90,666.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.37/hr = $54,122/year (purchasing power: $59,869).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,203/year (purchasing power: $99,782).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Ames (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Ames grew 30.1% from $31.75/hr (2019) to $41.29/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.55/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 Ames 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 Ames
Considering part-time earnings, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working just three days a week could take home around $54,000 annually, a considerable amount but still less than a full-time salary. In contrast to regular positions, per-diem or agency roles can provide a more lucrative path, with rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour and cardiac MRI contracts reaching up to $110 per hour. Employers in Ames vary widely, from larger hospital imaging departments to outpatient centers and mobile MRI services, impacting compensation. Some technologists might make trade-offs between lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher pay without comprehensive health coverage. For those working in the competitive field of MRI technology, understanding these nuances and effectively negotiating hourly pay is crucial to maximizing earning potential in a city like Ames, where demand for advanced imaging specialists continues to grow.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ames. 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 Ames 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