Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Burlington, IA: $41.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Burlington, IA runs $41.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,234 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Burlington, Iowa boasts a median hourly rate of $41.85 for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, which falls below the national median of $48.21. This hourly figure reflects the demand for professionals in various settings, from hospital MRI suites to outpatient imaging centers and mobile units. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a steady income while also affording flexibility. The hourly pay scale ranges from $31.86 at entry-level positions to $52.84 for seasoned professionals, indicating potential for growth as technologists advance their skills and certifications, including pathways through ASRT and ARRT.
About the Burlington 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) | $31.86 | $254.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.25 | $289.97 |
| Median (P50) | $41.85 | $334.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.52 | $364.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.84 | $422.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
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 Burlington, IA 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 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| 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 (Burlington) | $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 Burlington, IA earn a median of $87,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.20% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $90,674.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.85/hr = $52,234/year (purchasing power: $57,781).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,057/year (purchasing power: $96,302).
CoL index: 90.4 (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 Burlington (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 | $30.88/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 Burlington 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 Burlington 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 Burlington
When examining the potential for part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist who works a 24-hour week would take home nearly $52,000 yearly, a substantial sum compared to those in full-time roles. The per diem market in Burlington reveals an attractive landscape for agency workers, with per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in the range of $55 to $85 per hour, while specialized cardiac MRI technologists may bill even higher, reaching rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Differences in hourly pay often depend on the type of employer—hospital imaging departments, outpatient facilities, and mobile units tend to offer varying compensation packages. Some technologists might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others seek higher pay outside of conventional employment for the financial freedom it provides. Thus, it's wise to approach negotiations thoughtfully, emphasizing experience and specialization in this evolving field.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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