Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Mesa, AZ: $49.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Mesa, AZ runs $49.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,423 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mesa, Arizona, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $49.22, surpassing the national hourly median of $48.21. This wage provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time professionals, as those who work three days a week can anticipate a comfortable income conducive to a balanced lifestyle. The hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level technologists starting around $35.50 (P10) while top earners can make as much as $66.57 (P90). Such variation highlights the breadth of opportunities available in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. It’s essential to note that these hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, reflecting the competitive nature of the field in Mesa and across AZ.
About the Mesa 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) | $35.50 | $284.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.70 | $333.58 |
| Median (P50) | $49.22 | $393.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.06 | $440.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.57 | $532.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mesa
Based on $49.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.22/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mesa, AZ can expect to earn approximately $102,371 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,060. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,968.68 | $8,531 | $102,371 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,181.21 | $5,119 | $61,423 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $787.47 | $3,412 | $40,949 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Mesa) | $49.22 |
| 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 Mesa, AZ earn a median of $102,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.08% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 3.60% above the Arizona state average of $98,811.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.22/hr = $61,423/year (purchasing power: $62,358).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,371/year (purchasing power: $103,930).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Mesa grew 30.1% from $36.03/hr (2019) to $46.86/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.69/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 Mesa 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 Mesa
An MRI technologist working part-time—typically around 24 hours weekly—can earn a substantial income, although it will be notably lower than a full-time salary. Over the course of a year, this translates to approximately $61,000, a solid figure in Mesa. Meanwhile, per-diem positions bring a different earning potential. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Mesa often charge between $55 and $85 an hour, while those specializing in cardiac MRI may command $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts elevate these rates even further, with weekly earnings of $2,200 to $3,400 for MRI techs, particularly in specialized areas. Employers in Mesa include hospitals, outpatient MRI facilities, and orthopedic practices, each offering varying compensation that reflects their operational needs. Some technologists may choose lower hourly pay for the stability of health benefits, while others may prefer the flexibility of higher pay rates without benefits. Negotiating effectively can empower MRI techs to secure better pay based on their expertise and the demand for services, especially given the rising needs for advanced imaging specialties like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI.
More salary data for Mesa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Mesa?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Mesa?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Mesa?
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 Mesa. 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 Mesa 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