Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $40.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Jonesboro, AR runs $40.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,509 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,111 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Jonesboro, Arkansas, reaches $40.15, notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This rate signifies a considerable opportunity for part-time work, particularly for those willing to work three days a week in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For per-diem workers, the starting point begins at $31.79 and can scale up to $51.21 for top earners, offering a flexible income structure depending on experience and demand. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS information, illustrates how the field remains attractive for individuals looking to balance work schedules and family commitments while capitalizing on the growing demand for MRI services.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.79 | $254.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.79 | $254.34 |
| Median (P50) | $40.15 | $321.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.81 | $334.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.21 | $409.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $40.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.15/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $83,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,184. With a cost-of-living index of 85.88 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,606.12 | $6,960 | $83,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $963.67 | $4,176 | $50,111 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $642.45 | $2,784 | $33,407 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Jonesboro) | $40.15 |
| 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 Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $83,509 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.73% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.20% below the Arkansas state average of $87,171.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.15/hr = $50,111/year (purchasing power: $58,353).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,518/year (purchasing power: $97,254).
CoL index: 85.876 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Jonesboro grew 30.1% from $29.39/hr (2019) to $38.23/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.17/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 Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro
Workers operating in this specialized role can find themselves in a range of part-time or per-diem scenarios, affecting their annual income dramatically compared to full-time positions. For example, someone working 24 hours weekly at the median pay can expect to earn approximately $49,951 annually, whereas a full-time equivalent would typically vastly surpass that figure. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Jonesboro often command higher rates, billing anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour, and those focusing on cardiac MRI can charge even more. Variability in hourly rates reflects the different employer types, from hospital imaging departments to outpatient centers and private practices, each offering unique compensation structures. Consequently, many technicians opt for more lucrative hourly offers while sacrificing job security and benefits. Negotiation skills can be crucial in this environment, as understanding the specific demands and offerings of Jonesboro’s healthcare landscape can enhance earning potential for MRI professionals.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Jonesboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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