Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $40.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Opelika, AL runs $40.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,138 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,081 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $40.93, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate provides solid earning potential for both part-time professionals working in hospital MRI suites or outpatient imaging centers, as well as per-diem workers in various settings like mobile trailers or specialized breast imaging centers. Technologists beginning their careers may see hourly rates starting at $31.96, while experienced professionals can reach up to $53.71, making this an appealing option for those entering the field or seeking flexible schedules in a growing healthcare market.
About the Opelika 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) | $31.96 | $255.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.11 | $288.87 |
| Median (P50) | $40.93 | $327.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.55 | $364.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.71 | $429.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $40.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.93/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $85,135 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,116. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,637.21 | $7,095 | $85,135 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $982.32 | $4,257 | $51,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $654.88 | $2,838 | $34,054 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Opelika) | $40.93 |
| 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 Opelika, AL earn a median of $85,138 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.10% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $88,135.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.93/hr = $51,081/year (purchasing power: $58,112).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,135/year (purchasing power: $96,854).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Opelika grew 30.1% from $29.96/hr (2019) to $38.97/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.99/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 Opelika 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 Opelika
For those considering part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist with a typical schedule of three days a week, or 24 hours, could expect to take home around $50,721 annually, significantly less than full-time colleagues. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Opelika tends to fluctuate, with rates often reaching $55-$85 per hour for standard roles and even higher—between $75 and $110 for cardiac specialists. Some professionals may favor higher hourly compensation over benefits offered by traditional employment, leading to decisions based on long-term career plans, such as negotiating pay rates effectively. Understanding the disparity between different employer types, like hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers, is essential, as pay structures can vary widely within the region, highlighting the importance of thorough research and negotiation skills in the job market.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Opelika in 2026?
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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 Opelika. 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 Opelika 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