Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $51.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Des Moines, WA runs $51.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,708 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,031 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Des Moines, Washington, earn a median hourly rate of $51.31, which is significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This favorable pay rate offers appealing opportunities for part-time workers seeking flexible schedules, such as those looking to work just three days a week, which could translate into consistent earnings while balancing other commitments. Per-diem workers also benefit from this healthy rate, with many positions typically found in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI facilities offering competitive hourly wages. The projected hourly range for these specialists spans from $37.83 for entry-level roles to approximately $66.84 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the value placed on expertise in the local healthcare market.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.83 | $302.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.73 | $349.88 |
| Median (P50) | $51.31 | $410.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.67 | $453.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.84 | $534.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $51.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.31/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $106,719 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,569. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,052.29 | $8,893 | $106,719 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,231.37 | $5,336 | $64,031 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $820.91 | $3,557 | $42,688 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Des Moines) | $51.31 |
| 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 Des Moines, WA earn a median of $106,708 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $107,677.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.31/hr = $64,031/year (purchasing power: $59,619).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,719/year (purchasing power: $99,366).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Des Moines grew 30.1% from $37.56/hr (2019) to $48.85/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.89/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 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 Des Moines
Considering the earning potential for part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Des Moines, working just 24 hours a week could yield about $40,000 annually, a crucial factor for those balancing work with other aspects of life. Per-diem roles present even more varied financial prospects, with rates typically ranging from $55 to $85 an hour, particularly for specialized areas like cardiac MRI, which may demand higher billing rates. Employment across different types of facilities can impact pay; for instance, hospitals may offer more stability but potentially lower rates compared to outpatient centers or mobile MRI companies, which might entice workers with higher hourly rates but fewer benefits. It's essential for MRI techs to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly pay without health coverage against the stability of positions that provide such benefits. For those negotiating rates in Des Moines, leveraging certification from organizations like ARRT or ASRT can reinforce one’s value and help achieve favorable compensation aligned with the local market trends.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Des Moines?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Des Moines?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Des Moines?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 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 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