Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Glendale, AZ: $49.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Glendale, AZ runs $49.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,732 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Glendale's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,236 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Glendale, Arizona, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $49.87, which is notably higher than the national median of $48.21. This pay scale encourages a vibrant workforce, including those who work part-time, typically around three days a week in various settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and even specialized orthopedic environments. For a part-time technologist, this translates to steady earnings in a range that spans from an entry-level rate of $33.83 to specialized professionals earning up to $68.23 per hour. Such figures reflect a growing demand in the sector, driven by advancements in MRI technology and the increasing need for specialized imaging services, making the field attractive for both new entrants and seasoned professionals looking for flexibility and various employment opportunities.
About the Glendale 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) | $33.83 | $270.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.76 | $326.10 |
| Median (P50) | $49.87 | $398.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.10 | $448.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.23 | $545.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Glendale
Based on $49.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.87/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Glendale, AZ can expect to earn approximately $103,726 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,842. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Glendale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Glendale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,994.73 | $8,644 | $103,726 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,196.84 | $5,186 | $62,236 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $797.89 | $3,458 | $41,490 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Glendale) | $49.87 |
| 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 Glendale, AZ earn a median of $103,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 5.00% above the Arizona state average of $98,792.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.87/hr = $62,236/year (purchasing power: $63,183).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,726/year (purchasing power: $105,306).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Glendale grew 30.1% from $36.51/hr (2019) to $47.48/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.38/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 Glendale 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 Glendale
For those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities as an MRI technologist, earnings potential diverges significantly when weighing full-time against part-time commitments. A typical three-day workweek of 24 hours would see a part-time technologist earning about $62,000 annually, which can be appealing compared to the commitments of full-time hours. Per diem MRI techs often command higher hourly rates, usually between $55 to $85, especially for specialized cardiac imaging roles where rates can soar to $75-$110. While hospitals and outpatient centers generally offer stability and benefits, such as health insurance, they may pay less per hour compared to travel assignments, which can yield weekly contracts ranging from $2,200 to $3,400. Technologists in Glendale must navigate these various opportunities, balancing hourly rates with benefits, and negotiating effectively based on the employer type for optimal compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Glendale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Glendale in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Glendale?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Glendale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Glendale?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Glendale?
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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 Glendale. 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 Glendale 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