Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Waukee, IA: $41.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Waukee, IA runs $41.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,733 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Waukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,038 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $41.70, which is significantly lower than the national median of $48.21. For those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, this rate equates to about $665 per week before taxes, a figure that can fit well within a flexible work-life balance while still allowing for a decent income. The hourly pay range for this profession varies from $31.48 at the entry-level to as high as $50.94 for top earners, reflecting the growing demand for MRI specialists in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI facilities. These figures are projected from data in 2025, indicating a stable outlook for the field as technological advancements and specialization continue to rise in importance.
About the Waukee 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) | $31.48 | $251.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.93 | $287.45 |
| Median (P50) | $41.70 | $333.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.29 | $354.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.94 | $407.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukee
Based on $41.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.70/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukee, IA can expect to earn approximately $86,730 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,036. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,667.88 | $7,227 | $86,730 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,000.73 | $4,336 | $52,038 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.15 | $2,891 | $34,692 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Waukee) | $41.70 |
| 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 Waukee, IA earn a median of $86,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.51% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $90,630.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.70/hr = $52,038/year (purchasing power: $57,564).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,730/year (purchasing power: $95,940).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waukee grew 30.1% from $30.52/hr (2019) to $39.70/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.79/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 Waukee 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 Waukee
Evaluating the part-time options, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week could see annual earnings fall around $34,500 versus a full-time employee who might earn upwards of $86,733 annually, highlighting a stark difference in pay even while offering more time for personal commitments. Many professionals may opt for per diem positions where they can earn $55 to $85 per hour, especially in high-demand areas like cardiac imaging. Magnet resonance imaging technologists in Waukee can also explore work with agencies, where contracts may offer $2,200 to $3,400 weekly for travel assignments. However, this comes with the trade-off of job stability and benefits. When negotiating wages, it's essential to weigh the benefits of consistent hours against potentially higher hourly rates with no insurance coverage. Understanding the different employer types—ranging from hospitals to outpatient centers—can provide insight into the variations in hourly pay and overall job satisfaction within the profession.
More salary data for Waukee, 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 Waukee. 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 Waukee 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