Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Madison, WI: $47.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Madison, WI runs $47.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,379 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,627 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Madison, Wisconsin, can expect a median hourly pay of $47.78, slightly below the national median of $48.21. This competitive rate is particularly beneficial for part-time professionals who might work three days a week, allowing them to earn a robust income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Per-diem workers in various settings, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and research facilities, might find themselves within the hourly range of $40.42 to $51.72. These figures are based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, reflecting not only entry-level compensation but also the financial rewards for seasoned technologists operating advanced 3T scanners or engaging in specialized areas like cardiac MRI.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.42 | $323.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.12 | $336.94 |
| Median (P50) | $47.78 | $382.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.55 | $404.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.72 | $413.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $47.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.78/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, WI can expect to earn approximately $99,379 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,334. With a cost-of-living index of 97.29 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,911.13 | $8,282 | $99,379 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,146.68 | $4,969 | $59,627 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $764.45 | $3,313 | $39,751 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Madison) | $47.78 |
| 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 Madison, WI earn a median of $99,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.90% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.10% above the Wisconsin state average of $93,666.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.78/hr = $59,627/year (purchasing power: $61,290).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,379/year (purchasing power: $102,150).
CoL index: 97.287 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Madison grew 30.3% from $34.91/hr (2019) to $45.49/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.18/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 Madison 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 Madison
Analyzing the hourly pay landscape reveals several earning potentials for magnetic resonance imaging technologists. For instance, a part-time MRI technologist working 24 hours a week could take home around $59,000 annually, considerably less than a full-time technician, yet still maintaining a viable income. Per diem positions often attract higher rates, with some imaging professionals earning between $55 and $85 an hour, particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac imaging, where rates may even rise to $75-$110 per hour. In Madison, the hourly rates also vary across employer types, such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and travel agencies, which may pay premium rates for short-term assignments. While some may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, many others choose higher rates that may come without additional perks. For those negotiating their compensation, understanding the local job market dynamics and demonstrating specialized skills can be key to attaining better pay in this competitive field.
More salary data for Madison, WI:
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 Madison. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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