Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Waterloo, IA: $42.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Waterloo, IA runs $42.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,230 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Waterloo's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,942 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterloo, Iowa, the median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $42.42 in 2026. This figure falls below the national median hourly rate of $48.21, indicating that local professionals might experience comparatively lower earnings within the field. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate offers a feasible income when calculated for a 24-hour workweek. Part-time or per-diem workers in settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers can anticipate receiving pay that varies significantly based on their experience and specialization. The salary range for MRI technologists in Waterloo extends from $31.31 at the lower 10th percentile to $56.42 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variability in expertise and employer demand.
About the Waterloo 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) | $31.31 | $250.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.21 | $289.71 |
| Median (P50) | $42.42 | $339.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.25 | $378.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.42 | $451.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterloo
Based on $42.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.42/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterloo, IA can expect to earn approximately $88,237 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,906. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterloo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterloo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,696.86 | $7,353 | $88,237 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,018.12 | $4,412 | $52,942 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.75 | $2,941 | $35,295 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Waterloo) | $42.42 |
| 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 Waterloo, IA earn a median of $88,230 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.02% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.70% below the Iowa state average of $90,679.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.42/hr = $52,942/year (purchasing power: $58,564).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,237/year (purchasing power: $97,607).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waterloo grew 30.1% from $31.05/hr (2019) to $40.39/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.56/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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo
Considering part-time schedules, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would earn approximately $52,900 annually, a substantial difference compared to full-time positions. Per-diem opportunities often offer more lucrative rates, allowing technologists to bill anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI roles leading to hourly fees of $75 to $110. For those pursuing travel contracts, earnings can be even higher, ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week, particularly where premium specialties are involved. In Waterloo, the hourly pay can vary across employer types, with hospitals often providing benefits but potentially lower wages compared to outpatient centers or agencies that might pay higher rates but offer no health coverage. Understanding this trade-off is crucial for MRI technologists in Waterloo, especially during salary negotiations where emphasizing experience and specialization can help increase hourly pay.
More salary data for Waterloo, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waterloo in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Waterloo?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waterloo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Waterloo?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Waterloo?
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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 Waterloo. 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 Waterloo 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