Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $40.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Muscatine, IA runs $40.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,668 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,806 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Muscatine, Iowa, the projected median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is $40.71, noticeably lower than the national median of $48.21 per hour. This rate is significant for those considering part-time positions, typically working three days a week; it suggests a secure income while offering the flexibility that many professionals seek. MRI technologists in this area have a range from $32.64 to $51.59 per hour, indicating a pay scale reflective of experience and specialization. Typical work environments include hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers, where technologists often operate both 1.5T and 3T machines. Entry-level positions may command lower rates, while more experienced professionals or those who specialize in cardiac MRI can approach the upper end of the spectrum, especially in more demanding settings like research labs and mobile imaging trailers.
About the Muscatine 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) | $32.64 | $261.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.37 | $290.98 |
| Median (P50) | $40.71 | $325.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.49 | $355.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.59 | $412.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $40.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.71/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $84,676 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,852. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,628.39 | $7,056 | $84,676 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $977.03 | $4,234 | $50,806 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.35 | $2,823 | $33,870 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Muscatine) | $40.71 |
| 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 Muscatine, IA earn a median of $84,668 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.57% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $90,651.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.71/hr = $50,806/year (purchasing power: $56,201).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,676/year (purchasing power: $93,668).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Muscatine grew 30.1% from $29.80/hr (2019) to $38.76/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.76/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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine
For a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time in Muscatine, focusing on a 24-hour work week translates to a respectable annual income of approximately $50,000. However, the earning potential for per-diem or contract workers can significantly increase. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Muscatine typically ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized areas such as cardiac MRI reaching as high as $110. Travel opportunities also arise, where temporary contracts can generate $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, especially for those in high-demand specialties. Various employer types contribute to wage differences, with hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile services each offering unique compensation packages. Technologists often face a trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and more stable positions with health insurance. Practical negotiation strategies can prove crucial when entering discussions with potential employers, highlighting skills such as advanced certification or specialization in cutting-edge imaging techniques.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Muscatine in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Muscatine?
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Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Muscatine?
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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 Muscatine. 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 Muscatine 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