Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Tuscaloosa, AL: $42.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Tuscaloosa, AL runs $42.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,318 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Tuscaloosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,995 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Hourly compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is projected to be $42.46 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This difference can impact both full-time and part-time workers, particularly those on a part-time schedule of three days a week. In such setups, a technologist might earn an estimated $3,400 monthly, making per-diem roles attractive, especially in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and even mobile MRI trailers. This hourly rate ranges widely, from approximately $29.73 for entry-level positions to $54.69 for top earners in the field, reflecting the diverse work environments and levels of expertise required across Tuscaloosa’s healthcare facilities.
About the Tuscaloosa 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) | $29.73 | $237.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.79 | $294.34 |
| Median (P50) | $42.46 | $339.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.22 | $369.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.69 | $437.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tuscaloosa
Based on $42.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.46/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tuscaloosa, AL can expect to earn approximately $88,324 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,956. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tuscaloosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tuscaloosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,698.55 | $7,360 | $88,324 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,019.13 | $4,416 | $52,995 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $679.42 | $2,944 | $35,330 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Tuscaloosa) | $42.46 |
| 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 Tuscaloosa, AL earn a median of $88,318 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.93% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $88,141.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.46/hr = $52,995/year (purchasing power: $60,290).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,324/year (purchasing power: $100,483).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Tuscaloosa (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 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tuscaloosa grew 30.1% from $31.08/hr (2019) to $40.43/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.60/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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa
In terms of financial outlook, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time in Tuscaloosa can earn a substantial income, but it pales in comparison to full-timers. Those who work on a 24-hour week basis could take home around $40,600 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem MRI techs, on the other hand, can command rates between $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI positions reaching as high as $110 per hour. Hourly rates can fluctuate widely based on employer type; for instance, hospitals often offer competitive salaries, while outpatient imaging centers and mobile companies might appeal to those prioritizing flexibility. Those in search of higher hourly pay may opt for roles without benefits, creating a trade-off between salary and job security. The key to successful negotiations for hourly positions in Tuscaloosa revolves around understanding the market demand for MRI technologists and articulating one's unique skills, particularly as specialties like cardiac MRI continue to grow in importance.
More salary data for Tuscaloosa, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tuscaloosa in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Tuscaloosa?
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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 Tuscaloosa. 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 Tuscaloosa 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