Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in West Des Moines, IA: $42.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in West Des Moines, IA runs $42.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,195 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against West Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,916 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Des Moines, Iowa, will see a median hourly pay of $42.40, putting them below the national median of $48.21 per hour. This discrepancy could influence those considering part-time roles or per-diem work opportunities in the local healthcare environment. For instance, MRI techs working three days a week (roughly 24 hours) can expect to earn a substantial hourly rate while providing vital services at various facilities, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. The hourly pay range reflects the experience level, with entry positions beginning around $31.57 per hour, while seasoned professionals could earn as much as $56.62 per hour in specialized roles.
About the West Des Moines 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) | $31.57 | $252.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.48 | $283.83 |
| Median (P50) | $42.40 | $339.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.49 | $379.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.62 | $452.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Des Moines
Based on $42.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.40/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $88,193 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,881. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,696.02 | $7,349 | $88,193 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,017.61 | $4,410 | $52,916 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.41 | $2,940 | $35,277 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (West Des Moines) | $42.40 |
| 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 West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $88,195 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.70% below the Iowa state average of $90,642.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.40/hr = $52,916/year (purchasing power: $58,535).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,193/year (purchasing power: $97,559).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Des Moines grew 30.1% from $31.04/hr (2019) to $40.37/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.53/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 West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines
Examining the earning potential for part-time workers reveals that an MRI technologist clocking in for 24 hours a week could earn a noteworthy sum annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still competitive in the market. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists enjoy flexibility but often charge between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists commanding even more. Comparatively, various employers in West Des Moines—ranging from hospitals to outpatient facilities and mobile units—offer differing hourly rates, reflecting their own operational costs. Many professionals may face the choice of accepting lower pay for the sake of benefits like health insurance, or pursuing higher hourly compensation without such advantages. Negotiating effectively in this market requires awareness of these dynamics and a clear understanding of one’s value within the local context.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in West Des Moines?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in West Des Moines?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in West Des Moines?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 West Des Moines. 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 West Des Moines 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