Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Fort Dodge, IA: $40.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Fort Dodge, IA runs $40.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Fort Dodge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,927 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $40.01 in 2026, which is below the national median of $48.21 per hour. This hourly rate can provide a solid income for part-time workers, especially those choosing to work three days a week, as it allows for a stable earnings framework despite reduced hours. Per-diem positions, critical in various settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers, present varied incomes too, broadening opportunities. For instance, entry-level technologists could earn approximately $30.92 per hour, while experienced professionals at the top range might achieve up to $49.43 per hour. These estimates help paint a picture of the financial landscape for MRI technologists in Fort Dodge, as their compensation reflects both their expertise in the field and the regional cost of living indexed at 90.4.
About the Fort Dodge 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) | $30.92 | $247.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.90 | $279.21 |
| Median (P50) | $40.01 | $320.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.78 | $350.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.43 | $395.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Dodge
Based on $40.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.01/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Dodge, IA can expect to earn approximately $83,212 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,007. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Dodge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Dodge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,600.24 | $6,934 | $83,212 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $960.14 | $4,161 | $49,927 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $640.09 | $2,774 | $33,285 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Fort Dodge) | $40.01 |
| 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 Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $83,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.02% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $90,648.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.01/hr = $49,927/year (purchasing power: $55,229).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,212/year (purchasing power: $92,049).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fort Dodge grew 30.1% from $29.29/hr (2019) to $38.09/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.02/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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge
Examining part-time earnings, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist who works 24 hours a week would earn around $49,924 annually, a sum that highlights substantial income potential even when working less than full-time. Many professionals also explore per-diem positions, often billing between $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialties commanding even higher rates, between $75 and $110 per hour. Travel contracts present another lucrative avenue, with weekly pay reaching between $2,200 and $3,400—a significant boost compared to conventional employment. In Fort Dodge, hourly rates can differ widely depending on the employer, ranging from hospital imaging departments to mobile units and specialized orthopedic practices. While some technologists may accept lower hourly pay to secure benefits such as health insurance, others pursue higher pay options without benefits. For those in the field, effective negotiation strategies are essential; understanding local demand and emphasizing specialized skills can lead to more favorable pay situations in the competitive hiring landscape of Fort Dodge.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge. 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 Fort Dodge 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