Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Dubuque, IA: $44.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Dubuque, IA runs $44.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,734 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Dubuque's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,039 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Dubuque, Iowa, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly rate is projected to be $44.10 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This rate holds significance for both part-time and per-diem workers, especially in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For instance, a technologist working three days a week might enjoy consistent hours while earning a stable income, making the profession attractive for those seeking work-life balance. The earnings potential varies, with entry-level positions typically starting around $31.73 per hour and top earners making up to $59.16, illustrating a healthy spectrum of pay within the local market.
About the Dubuque 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) | $31.73 | $253.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.08 | $296.60 |
| Median (P50) | $44.10 | $352.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.53 | $396.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.16 | $473.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dubuque
Based on $44.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.10/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dubuque, IA can expect to earn approximately $91,732 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,923. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dubuque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dubuque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,764.08 | $7,644 | $91,732 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,058.45 | $4,587 | $55,039 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $705.63 | $3,058 | $36,693 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Dubuque) | $44.10 |
| 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 Dubuque, IA earn a median of $91,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.52% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $90,646.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.10/hr = $55,039/year (purchasing power: $60,884).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,732/year (purchasing power: $101,474).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+62.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Dubuque grew 47.5% from $28.47/hr (2019) to $41.99/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.32/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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque
Focusing on part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week could expect to take home around $55,474 annually, which is substantially less than a full-time colleague earning a full-time wage. Per diem positions present an even more lucrative avenue, with rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Dubuque commonly ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, and specialized cardiac MRI roles potentially increasing to $75-$110 per hour. Travel contracts in this field can also be appealing, with figures reaching $2,200-$3,400 per week, depending on skill set and employer type. It’s important to recognize the trade-offs associated with different employer types in Dubuque, as those prioritizing benefits might opt for hospitals, while others may lean towards private outpatient centers or agencies for higher pay. Familiarity with local proficiency trends, such as the rise of cardiac MRI and mpMRI, could also give technologists a negotiating edge in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Dubuque in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Dubuque?
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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 Dubuque. 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 Dubuque 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