Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Decatur, AL: $42.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Decatur, AL runs $42.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,310 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,982 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Decatur, Alabama, earn a median hourly rate of $42.45, which is significantly lower than the national median of $48.21. This disparity may influence those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions in diverse environments, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For individuals working three days a week, the pay translates to a stable income, while per-diem workers in the area might enjoy flexible schedules alongside hourly compensation that generally varies from $29.86 for entry-level positions to up to $56.12 for experienced technologists. These estimates derive from 2026 projections based on 2025 BLS data, catering to the growing demand for MRI services in Decatur's healthcare setting.
About the Decatur 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) | $29.86 | $238.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.17 | $281.40 |
| Median (P50) | $42.45 | $339.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.18 | $377.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.12 | $448.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $42.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.45/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, AL can expect to earn approximately $88,303 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,944. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,698.13 | $7,359 | $88,303 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,018.88 | $4,415 | $52,982 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $679.25 | $2,943 | $35,321 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Decatur) | $42.45 |
| 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 Decatur, AL earn a median of $88,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.94% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $88,134.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.45/hr = $52,982/year (purchasing power: $60,275).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,303/year (purchasing power: $100,458).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Decatur grew 30.1% from $31.08/hr (2019) to $40.42/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.59/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
For part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists, the financial outlook can differ markedly from full-time employment. After working a typical 24 hours per week, a tech may potentially earn around $52,707 annually, translating to a steady income without the demands of a full-time schedule. Alternatively, per-diem positions often provide greater earning potential; MRI techs can bill between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI roles sometimes reaching up to $110 hourly. Travel MRI tech contracts can be lucrative, yielding around $2,200 to $3,400 per week. It’s essential for those in Decatur to understand how hourly rates fluctuate depending on the workplace setting. Hospitals may offer competitive benefits that reflect lower hourly rates, whereas outpatient or mobile facilities might provide higher pay but lack insurance perks. Negotiating one's hourly rate is crucial, particularly in a market where benefits significantly impact overall compensation. Understanding the local market dynamics will help technologists make more informed career choices.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Decatur in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Decatur?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Decatur paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Decatur?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Decatur?
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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 Decatur. 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 Decatur 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