Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Flagstaff, AZ: $46.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Flagstaff, AZ runs $46.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Flagstaff's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,858 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Flagstaff, Arizona, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $46.36, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This compensation level makes it quite viable for part-time professionals and per-diem workers who typically roster shifts in diverse environments, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile trailers. With an hourly pay range extending from $34.45 for entry-level positions to $61.82 for seasoned specialists, technologists in Flagstaff can find lucrative opportunities across various clinical settings. This hourly rate, derived from annual salary estimates, reflects the demand for MRI professionals in this region, where the cost of living index remains below the national average, thereby offering a balanced lifestyle for workers.
About the Flagstaff Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.45 | $275.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.75 | $318.03 |
| Median (P50) | $46.36 | $370.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.88 | $415.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.82 | $494.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Flagstaff
Based on $46.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.36/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Flagstaff, AZ can expect to earn approximately $96,429 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,632. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Flagstaff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Flagstaff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,854.41 | $8,036 | $96,429 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,112.65 | $4,821 | $57,858 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $741.76 | $3,214 | $38,572 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Flagstaff) | $46.36 |
| 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 Flagstaff, AZ earn a median of $96,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.84% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.40% below the Arizona state average of $98,805.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.36/hr = $57,858/year (purchasing power: $58,739).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,429/year (purchasing power: $97,898).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Flagstaff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Flagstaff grew 30.1% from $33.94/hr (2019) to $44.14/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.69/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 Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals that technologists working three days a week, amounting to around 24 hours, could take home as much as $58,585 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts who might earn significantly more. Per diem MRI techs often claim a higher hourly rate, billing between $55-$85 and even reaching $75-$110 for cardiac MRI roles. Contracts for travel MRI positions can net between $2,200-$3,400 weekly, especially for cardiac cases. Hourly rates vary across employer types in Flagstaff, with hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile services each offering different compensation that could affect choices, particularly when health benefits are factored in. While some technologists may accept lower hourly rates for jobs that include healthcare benefits, others might pursue higher pay avenues without traditional benefits. Negotiating effectively in Flagstaff means understanding these dynamics and being prepared to advocate for a higher wage based on the varied employment types available in the region.
More salary data for Flagstaff, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Flagstaff in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Flagstaff?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Flagstaff paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Flagstaff?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Flagstaff?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff 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