Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Elk River, MN: $46.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Elk River, MN runs $46.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,777 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Elk River's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,067 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Elk River, Minnesota, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn an average hourly pay of $46.53, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This pay structure allows technologists, especially those working part-time in various settings—such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units—to enjoy a competitive income. With an estimated hourly range from $36.08 at entry-level positions to $62.46 for highly experienced technologists, this profession offers a solid earning potential. For those in per-diem roles, having flexibility can be appealing as they navigate the demands of MRI technology in diverse environments, including breast imaging centers and orthopedic surgery practices. The hourly rate reflects estimates derived from annual salaries, emphasizing the importance of understanding how these figures translate into practical, daily earnings.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.08 | $288.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.83 | $326.60 |
| Median (P50) | $46.53 | $372.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.77 | $398.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.46 | $499.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elk River
Based on $46.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.53/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elk River, MN can expect to earn approximately $96,779 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,834. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elk River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elk River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,861.13 | $8,065 | $96,779 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,116.68 | $4,839 | $58,067 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $744.45 | $3,226 | $38,712 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Elk River) | $46.53 |
| 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 Elk River, MN earn a median of $96,777 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $98,752.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.53/hr = $58,067/year (purchasing power: $58,952).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,779/year (purchasing power: $98,253).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Elk River grew 30.1% from $34.06/hr (2019) to $44.30/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.87/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 Elk River 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 Elk River
Considering the potential for part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Elk River working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can realistically expect to take home around $58,000 annually, which significantly contrasts with full-time positions. Additionally, per diem MRI technologists are able to charge rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists potentially earning even more—up to $110 per hour in some instances. Travel contracts, often available through specialized agencies, can yield weekly earnings between $2,200 and $3,400, dependent on the demand for services, particularly in cardiac MRI. Variations in technology and the types of employers can affect hourly rates significantly; while hospitals may offer benefits and more stable pay, outpatient centers and mobile companies might present higher hourly rates without the perks. Technologists often face choices between a slightly lower hourly wage with job security and health benefits versus the higher pay that comes with per diem work lacking stability. For those applying for positions, it may be wise to negotiate not only the hourly rate but also the ancillary benefits to find the right balance tailored to individual financial needs and career goals in Elk River.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Elk River in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Elk River?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Elk River paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Elk River?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Elk River?
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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 Elk River. 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 Elk River 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