Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Auburn, AL: $41.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Auburn, AL runs $41.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,174 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,710 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Auburn, Alabama, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $41.43 in 2026, which sits below the national median of $48.21. This discrepancy reflects the unique economic conditions of the region and the cost of living index, which is significantly lower than the national average. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to flexible earning opportunities in various facilities, including hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers. The hourly rate for entry-level MRI technologists typically starts around $30.83, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $55.33 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the procedures they perform.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.83 | $246.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.58 | $284.67 |
| Median (P50) | $41.43 | $331.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.28 | $378.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.33 | $442.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $41.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.43/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, AL can expect to earn approximately $86,183 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,721. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,657.37 | $7,182 | $86,183 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $994.42 | $4,309 | $51,710 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $662.95 | $2,873 | $34,473 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Auburn) | $41.43 |
| 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 Auburn, AL earn a median of $86,174 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.07% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $88,112.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.43/hr = $51,710/year (purchasing power: $58,828).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,183/year (purchasing power: $98,047).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Auburn grew 30.1% from $30.33/hr (2019) to $39.45/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.52/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
Considering a part-time schedule, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week would earn approximately $51,223 annually, a figure that significantly contrasts with full-time work. For those opting for per diem opportunities, the pay can be substantially higher. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Auburn often ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialties like cardiac MRI commanding rates as high as $75-$110 per hour. Contract positions with travel agencies can yield even greater income, sometimes ranging between $2,200 to $3,400 per week. Variance in hourly pay often reflects employer type, with hospitals sometimes offering lower rates but including benefits, while freestanding imaging centers and mobile MRI companies can present higher pay but no fringe benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Auburn, technologists should emphasize their specialization, particularly in areas like cardiac or prostate mpMRI, as it can leverage their position for better rates.
More salary data for Auburn, AL:
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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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