Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Urbandale, IA: $41.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Urbandale, IA runs $41.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,617 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Urbandale's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,972 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbandale, Iowa, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $41.64 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $48.21 per hour, which reflects the unique regional factors influencing salaries. For those working part-time, such as a technologist on a typical schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a flexible earning potential that can accommodate various lifestyle choices or additional part-time positions. With an hourly range spanning from $31.77 for entry-level roles to $53.78 at the top tier, technologists can find work in diverse settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and specialized research laboratories. This structure supports both full-time professionals and per-diem workers alike, providing a variety of employment options that can suit individual career trajectories.
About the Urbandale 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) | $31.77 | $254.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.19 | $289.55 |
| Median (P50) | $41.64 | $333.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.81 | $366.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.78 | $430.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbandale
Based on $41.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.64/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbandale, IA can expect to earn approximately $86,620 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,973. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbandale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbandale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,665.78 | $7,218 | $86,620 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $999.47 | $4,331 | $51,972 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $666.31 | $2,887 | $34,648 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Urbandale) | $41.64 |
| 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 Urbandale, IA earn a median of $86,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.63% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $90,699.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.64/hr = $51,972/year (purchasing power: $57,491).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,620/year (purchasing power: $95,819).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Urbandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Urbandale grew 30.1% from $30.48/hr (2019) to $39.65/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.74/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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale
Comparing Urbandale's pay structures, part-time MRI technologists who work 24 hours a week with an hourly rate of $41.64 can expect to earn around $52,349 annually, significantly lower than a full-time technologist's earnings but still a viable option for those seeking work-life balance. On the other hand, per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Urbandale can range from $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists commanding rates between $75 and $110. Travel contracts can be lucrative as well, often offering $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, especially for those with specialized skills in cardiac imaging or advanced techniques. Hourly rates may fluctuate based on employer type, so technologists should consider whether they are pursuing opportunities in hospitals versus outpatient centers or mobile services. Many professionals often face trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates paired with health insurance, making negotiation skills crucial in this competitive field.
More salary data for Urbandale, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Urbandale in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Urbandale?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Urbandale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Urbandale?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Urbandale?
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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 Urbandale. 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 Urbandale 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