Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Sierra Vista, AZ: $45.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Sierra Vista, AZ runs $45.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,501 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Sierra Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,704 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Sierra Vista, Arizona, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $45.44, a figure that falls below the national median of $48.21 per hour. This rate has significant implications for both full-time and part-time workers, particularly those in diverse environments like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI services. With an hourly range from $34.62 for entry-level positions to about $58.90 for experienced technologists, professionals in this field have opportunities to work flexible schedules that support both three-day work weeks and per-diem roles. The ability to choose varying work environments, from orthopedic practices to research facilities, allows MRI techs to tailor their careers according to their preferences while effectively managing their income.
About the Sierra Vista 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) | $34.62 | $276.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.55 | $316.43 |
| Median (P50) | $45.44 | $363.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.02 | $400.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.90 | $471.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sierra Vista
Based on $45.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.44/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sierra Vista, AZ can expect to earn approximately $94,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,523. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sierra Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sierra Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,817.44 | $7,876 | $94,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,090.46 | $4,725 | $56,704 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $726.98 | $3,150 | $37,803 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Sierra Vista) | $45.44 |
| 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 Sierra Vista, AZ earn a median of $94,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.30% below the Arizona state average of $98,747.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.44/hr = $56,704/year (purchasing power: $57,568).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,507/year (purchasing power: $95,946).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sierra Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sierra Vista grew 30.1% from $33.26/hr (2019) to $43.26/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.72/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 Sierra Vista 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 Sierra Vista
Earnings for part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working 24 hours a week in Sierra Vista can lead to an annual take-home amount significantly lower than their full-time counterparts; they might expect to earn approximately $53,000 annually. However, per-diem workers in this field have the potential to secure much higher compensation, as they often bill between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialties like cardiac MRI commanding rates as high as $110 per hour. Additionally, travel MRI tech contracts can yield impressive weekly earnings ranging from $2,200 to $3,400, particularly for those with advanced credentials. Different employers—including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile services—offer various compensation packages that may prioritize healthcare benefits over higher hourly rates. MRI technologists in Sierra Vista should consider negotiating not just for pay but for the overall benefits package, ensuring they align with their personal and financial needs.
More salary data for Sierra Vista, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sierra Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Sierra Vista?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sierra Vista paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Sierra Vista?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sierra Vista?
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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 Sierra Vista. 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 Sierra Vista 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