Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Vestavia Hills, AL: $40.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Vestavia Hills, AL runs $40.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Vestavia Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,779 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vestavia Hills, Alabama, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $40.69, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This hourly pay reflects the specialized nature of the profession, particularly when considering typical work environments such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this means earning approximately $65,200 annually, while per-diem workers can expect varied compensation levels—ranging from $30.18 for entry-level positions to $53.01 for experienced technologists or specific specialized roles. Ultimately, these hourly figures are based on projections derived from annual salary data, highlighting the standard earning potential across different practice settings.
About the Vestavia Hills 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) | $30.18 | $241.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.69 | $277.53 |
| Median (P50) | $40.69 | $325.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.95 | $359.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.01 | $424.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vestavia Hills
Based on $40.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.69/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vestavia Hills, AL can expect to earn approximately $84,632 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,826. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vestavia Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vestavia Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,627.54 | $7,053 | $84,632 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $976.53 | $4,232 | $50,779 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.02 | $2,821 | $33,853 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Vestavia Hills) | $40.69 |
| 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 Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $84,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.61% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $88,151.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.69/hr = $50,779/year (purchasing power: $57,770).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,632/year (purchasing power: $96,283).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Vestavia Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Vestavia Hills grew 30.1% from $29.79/hr (2019) to $38.74/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.74/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 Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Vestavia Hills could realistically bring home about $65,200 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who may benefit from higher overall compensation structures. In contrast, per-diem MRI techs can significantly increase their earnings, billing anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour, with some specialized roles like cardiac MRI reaching up to $110 per hour. MRI positions across various employers—ranging from hospitals to outpatient centers and mobile practices—also vary in pay rates. Technologists may face trade-offs between lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits and higher pay without health coverage, making it essential to consider their individual career needs. Negotiating rates can be critical, especially given the competitive landscape for MRI professionals; demonstrating expertise in sought-after specialties or willingness to cover high-demand shifts can improve earning opportunities in Vestavia Hills.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Vestavia Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Vestavia Hills?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Vestavia Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Vestavia Hills?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Vestavia Hills?
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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 Vestavia Hills. 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 Vestavia Hills 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