Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Hoover, AL: $42.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Hoover, AL runs $42.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,002 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Hoover's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,401 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hoover, Alabama, the projected hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at $42.79. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $48.21 and reflects the local market dynamics. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this translates into approximately $1,025 weekly based on a 24-hour work schedule, which can add up to an annual income that remains competitive within the region's cost of living index of 87.9. For entry-level technologists, the hourly wage begins around $30.68, while experienced professionals may earn up to $57.35 per hour in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI operations. These estimates derive from annual salary statistics and highlight the range of earning potential present for MRI techs in this sector.
About the Hoover 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) | $30.68 | $245.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.86 | $286.86 |
| Median (P50) | $42.79 | $342.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.93 | $383.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.35 | $458.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hoover
Based on $42.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.79/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hoover, AL can expect to earn approximately $89,002 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,347. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hoover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hoover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,711.57 | $7,417 | $89,002 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,026.94 | $4,450 | $53,401 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $684.63 | $2,967 | $35,601 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Hoover) | $42.79 |
| 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 Hoover, AL earn a median of $89,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.25% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.00% above the Alabama state average of $88,121.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.79/hr = $53,401/year (purchasing power: $60,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,002/year (purchasing power: $101,253).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hoover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hoover grew 30.1% from $31.32/hr (2019) to $40.74/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.94/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 Hoover 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 Hoover
While part-time opportunities offer flexibility, they result in a significantly different earning trajectory compared to full-time positions. For instance, part-time MRI technologists in Hoover can expect to earn an annual income noticeably lower than their full-time counterparts, who benefit from stable weekly hours. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Hoover can be appealing for those seeking higher hourly rates; radiologists on agency contracts commonly charge between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI per-diem rates peaking even higher, from $75 to $110. Furthermore, travel MRI tech opportunities can yield weekly pay between $2,200 and $3,400, particularly in high-demand areas such as cardiac imaging. Those working in different employer types, from hospitals to outpatient centers, experience variable hourly rates, reflecting the trade-offs between benefits and higher pay. Negotiating for wages can be critical, especially in Hoover's competitive job market, where establishing a value proposition based on your skills in 3T and cardiac MRI techniques might enhance your bargaining position.
More salary data for Hoover, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hoover in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Hoover?
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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 Hoover. 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 Hoover 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