Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Hot Springs, AR: $41.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Hot Springs, AR runs $41.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Hot Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,173 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hot Springs, Arkansas, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at $41.00, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21 per hour. This difference could influence the decisions of both full-time and part-time technologists. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, this translates to a practical, reliable pay structure that meets ongoing financial commitments. Per-diem practitioners in this field may find themselves earning even more in specific settings—where they can charge rates reflecting their expertise, typically ranging from entry-level figures to the more experienced with the high end hitting up to $52.44 per hour as projected for 2026. With hourly rates derived from annual salaries, it’s essential for MRI technologists to understand how their earnings can fluctuate based on location, experience, and employment settings, which include hospitals, outpatient centers, and more specialized environments like research labs.
About the Hot Springs 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) | $29.40 | $235.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.34 | $274.76 |
| Median (P50) | $41.00 | $328.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.70 | $357.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.44 | $419.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hot Springs
Based on $41.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.00/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hot Springs, AR can expect to earn approximately $85,288 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,204. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hot Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hot Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,640.15 | $7,107 | $85,288 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $984.09 | $4,264 | $51,173 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $656.06 | $2,843 | $34,115 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Hot Springs) | $41.00 |
| 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 Hot Springs, AR earn a median of $85,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.95% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.10% below the Arkansas state average of $87,121.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.00/hr = $51,173/year (purchasing power: $58,887).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,288/year (purchasing power: $98,145).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hot Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hot Springs grew 30.1% from $30.02/hr (2019) to $39.04/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.07/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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs
Considering the outlook for part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hot Springs operating on a three-day work week, these professionals can expect to take home a substantial amount, showcasing the potential for an appealing side income compared to demanding full-time hours. In a per-diem capacity, MRI technologists can command rates between $55 to $85 per hour; those involved in cardiac MRI may see their per diem pay reach between $75 and $110 per hour. Moreover, opportunities exist for travel MRI tech contracts, with pay ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week for highly specialized services. Employers vary widely in type, with compensation sometimes reflecting the benefits offered, leading many to opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other perks. It's vital for technologists to strategically negotiate their hourly pay, considering the nuances of different employer types in Hot Springs, AR, while assessing the balance between hourly wages and health benefits to align with their personal financial goals.
More salary data for Hot Springs, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hot Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Hot Springs?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hot Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Hot Springs?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Hot Springs?
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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 Hot Springs. 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 Hot Springs 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