Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Cedar Falls, IA: $43.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Cedar Falls, IA runs $43.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Cedar Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,886 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cedar Falls, Iowa, is positioned at a median rate of $43.18. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly wage of $48.21, suggesting a local market that may require further investigation by aspiring technologists. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this translates to approximately $3,122 monthly. Per-diem opportunities are also available in various settings, including hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers, making this role appealing for workers seeking flexibility. In terms of pay progression, entry-level professionals might earn around $30.67 per hour, while experienced technologists could see rates up to $54.62. The data reflects estimates derived from annual figures, highlighting potential for growth in this specialized field.
About the Cedar Falls 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) | $30.67 | $245.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.48 | $307.86 |
| Median (P50) | $43.18 | $345.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.80 | $374.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.62 | $436.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Falls
Based on $43.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.18/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Falls, IA can expect to earn approximately $89,810 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,813. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,727.11 | $7,484 | $89,810 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,036.27 | $4,490 | $53,886 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.85 | $2,994 | $35,924 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Cedar Falls) | $43.18 |
| 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 Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $89,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.44% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% below the Iowa state average of $90,627.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.18/hr = $53,886/year (purchasing power: $59,608).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,810/year (purchasing power: $99,347).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cedar Falls grew 30.1% from $31.61/hr (2019) to $41.11/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.35/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 Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists, working a typical 24-hour week, would see much different annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Specifically, individuals may take home just over $37,000 annually, a significant difference from full-time positions. The per diem route can be lucrative, with rates often between $55 to $85 per hour, while specialized cardiac MRI roles could command even higher rates up to $110. Those working in diverse employer types such as outpatient centers or hospital imaging departments may find varying pay scales, influenced by factors like location and the complexity of services provided. While a higher hourly wage might appeal to some, it’s important to weigh this against benefits that typically accompany positions with lower pay. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for technologists in Cedar Falls; negotiating compensation based on expertise and location is essential to maximize earnings in such a competitive field.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cedar Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Cedar Falls?
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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 Cedar Falls. 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 Cedar Falls 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