Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $42.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Fort Smith, AR runs $42.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,203 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,916 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, the hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists stands at $42.40, which is notably below the national hourly median of $48.21. This rate translates into a substantial income potential for both part-time and per-diem workers in varied settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI operations. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $30.57 per hour, while the most experienced technologists may reach up to $57.04 per hour. Given the increasing demand for MRI services, particularly in specialized areas such as cardiac imaging and research, the hourly rates in Fort Smith reflect not only the local economy but also the significance of this role within healthcare.
About the Fort Smith Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.57 | $244.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.66 | $285.26 |
| Median (P50) | $42.40 | $339.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.62 | $380.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.04 | $456.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
Based on $42.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.40/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Smith, AR can expect to earn approximately $88,193 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,881. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Smith.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Smith
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,696.02 | $7,349 | $88,193 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,017.61 | $4,410 | $52,916 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.41 | $2,940 | $35,277 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Fort Smith) | $42.40 |
| 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 Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $88,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.20% above the Arkansas state average of $87,157.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.40/hr = $52,916/year (purchasing power: $60,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,193/year (purchasing power: $101,488).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fort Smith grew 30.1% from $31.04/hr (2019) to $40.37/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.53/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 Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith
For those choosing a part-time schedule of three days a week, working approximately 24 hours, the earnings can significantly differ from a full-time position. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist in this arrangement might expect an annual take-home that reflects a balanced lifestyle, earning $54,595, while a full-time technologist would see a considerable increase. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Fort Smith often ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialties like cardiac MRI reaching up to $110 per hour. Additionally, hourly earnings can vary widely among employers, from hospital imaging departments to freestanding outpatient centers and mobile practices. While some technologists might opt for less pay to secure benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly rates without health insurance. It’s prudent for workers in Fort Smith to focus on negotiation strategies that align with their career goals, emphasizing not only wage but also benefits that enhance job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fort Smith in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Fort Smith?
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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 Fort Smith. 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 Fort Smith 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