Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Onalaska, WI: $42.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Onalaska, WI runs $42.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,224 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Onalaska's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,532 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Onalaska, Wisconsin, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $42.89 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This discrepancy impacts various work arrangements, providing insights into the financial landscape for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions. A typical three-day workweek translates to roughly 24 hours of work, allowing technologists to earn approximately $1,028 weekly, or around $53,456 annually if consistently applied. Hourly rates for entry-level positions start at $32.06, while experienced technologists can command up to $52.04 an hour, revealing a robust earning potential across different experience levels. The diverse settings in which these professionals operate—ranging from hospital MRI suites to outpatient imaging centers and mobile MRI trailers—contribute to the variances in pay structures.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.06 | $256.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.41 | $307.28 |
| Median (P50) | $42.89 | $343.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.34 | $362.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.04 | $416.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Onalaska
Based on $42.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.89/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Onalaska, WI can expect to earn approximately $89,220 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,473. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Onalaska.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Onalaska
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,715.77 | $7,435 | $89,220 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,029.46 | $4,461 | $53,532 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $686.31 | $2,974 | $35,688 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Onalaska) | $42.89 |
| 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 Onalaska, WI earn a median of $89,224 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.03% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $93,624.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.89/hr = $53,532/year (purchasing power: $57,315).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,220/year (purchasing power: $95,525).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Onalaska grew 30.1% from $31.40/hr (2019) to $40.84/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.05/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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska
When examining the earning potential further, part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working three days a week in Onalaska could see significant differences in income when compared to their full-time counterparts. Those accepting per-diem or agency roles tend to earn considerably more, billing between $55 and $85 per hour for regular MRI work, and even higher for specialized cardiac procedures. Contracts for traveling MRI technologists range from $2,200 to $3,400 per week, highlighting the demand in this specialty. Hourly rates can vary based on the employer type—hospitals, outpatient facilities, or mobile MRI companies—which influences overall compensation and benefits. Many choose jobs with lower hourly rates to secure health insurance and paid time off, while others may prefer the flexibility of higher hourly pay without benefits. Negotiation strategies should focus on the value of comprehensive packages versus straight pay, especially in a competitive market like Onalaska, WI.
More salary data for Onalaska, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Onalaska in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Onalaska?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Onalaska paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Onalaska?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Onalaska?
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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 Onalaska. 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 Onalaska 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