Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Scottsdale, AZ: $50.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Scottsdale, AZ runs $50.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,098 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Scottsdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,458 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Scottsdale, Arizona, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly rate is projected to be $50.05 in 2026, slightly above the national hourly median of $48.21. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this equates to a substantial income given the nature of the work, whether in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile imaging units. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn about $34.43 per hour, while highly skilled technologists can reach up to $68.85. The range of hourly wages reflects the varying levels of expertise among MRI professionals in Scottsdale, influenced by factors such as certifications, the complexity of the imaging needed, and the specific work environment. These estimates are derived from annual salary figures, providing a solid basis for navigating the often lucrative landscape of MRI technology.
For those in the field considering part-time or per-diem work, there are compelling financial aspects to weigh. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week at the projected hourly rate could bring home around $62,449 annually, offering flexibility without sacrificing earnings compared to full-time positions. Per-diem opportunities are even more financially attractive, with technicians frequently billing between $55-$85 per hour. Cardiac MRI per-diem positions can command rates as high as $75-$110, while travel MRI tech contracts can range from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, significantly enhancing earning potential. Different employer types in Scottsdale play a role in this variability; for instance, imaging centers like RadNet or SimonMed may offer more competitive pay than smaller orthopedic practices. However, when considering hourly work, some technologists might opt for lower-paying positions that come with health benefits, offering an essential trade-off in job security versus premium pay. Understanding how to negotiate these rates is crucial, especially as employers often have specific budget constraints that can impact hourly offers in the competitive market of Scottsdale.
About the Scottsdale 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) | $34.43 | $275.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.12 | $328.95 |
| Median (P50) | $50.05 | $400.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.64 | $461.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.85 | $550.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scottsdale
Based on $50.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.05/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scottsdale, AZ can expect to earn approximately $104,097 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,056. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scottsdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scottsdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,001.87 | $8,675 | $104,097 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,201.12 | $5,205 | $62,458 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $800.75 | $3,470 | $41,639 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Scottsdale) | $50.05 |
| 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 Scottsdale, AZ earn a median of $104,098 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.80% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 5.40% above the Arizona state average of $98,765.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.05/hr = $62,458/year (purchasing power: $63,410).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,097/year (purchasing power: $105,683).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Scottsdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Scottsdale grew 30.1% from $36.64/hr (2019) to $47.65/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.56/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 Scottsdale 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.
More salary data for Scottsdale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Scottsdale in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Scottsdale?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Scottsdale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Scottsdale?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Scottsdale?
Related Pages
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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 Scottsdale. 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 Scottsdale 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