Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Waukesha, WI: $49.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Waukesha, WI runs $49.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,237 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Waukesha's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,947 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $49.64 in 2026, positioning it slightly above the national median of $48.21. This competitive rate benefits both full-time employees and part-time professionals, such as those working in diverse settings including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. MRI technologists can expect to earn between $35.01 and $63.98 per hour, offering an appealing entry-level pay structure and rewarding potential for experienced technologists. The substantial hourly rates reflect the increasing demand for imaging specialists, particularly in facilities equipped with advanced technology like 1.5T and 3T MRI scanners.
About the Waukesha 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) | $35.01 | $280.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.15 | $329.21 |
| Median (P50) | $49.64 | $397.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.07 | $432.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.98 | $511.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukesha
Based on $49.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.64/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukesha, WI can expect to earn approximately $103,245 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,565. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukesha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukesha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,985.49 | $8,604 | $103,245 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,191.29 | $5,162 | $61,947 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $794.19 | $3,442 | $41,298 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Waukesha) | $49.64 |
| 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 Waukesha, WI earn a median of $103,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.95% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 10.20% above the Wisconsin state average of $93,682.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.64/hr = $61,947/year (purchasing power: $66,325).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,245/year (purchasing power: $110,541).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waukesha grew 30.1% from $36.34/hr (2019) to $47.26/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.13/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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha
For part-time MRI technologists in Waukesha, working three days a week could result in annual earnings that still maintain a competitive edge against full-time salaries in the field. With per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Waukesha typically ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, there are significant opportunities for additional income, especially for cardiac MRI roles where rates can escalate to $75 to $110 per hour. However, hourly rates can vary depending on the employer type, such as hospitals or outpatient centers like RadNet. Technologists may need to balance the choice of taking a lower hourly wage with benefits versus a higher rate without health insurance, which can affect long-term financial stability. To effectively negotiate, professionals should research the prevailing rates for their specific imaging specialty, considering the expanding roles in cardiac MRI and mpMRI, ensuring that they present themselves as valuable assets to potential employers in Waukesha.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waukesha in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Waukesha?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waukesha paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Waukesha?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Waukesha?
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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 Waukesha. 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 Waukesha 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