Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Little Rock, AR: $40.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Little Rock, AR runs $40.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,856 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,321 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Little Rock, Arkansas, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at $40.32, which is below the national median of $48.21. This discrepancy highlights the unique economic conditions in the region, where MRI technologists working in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile units can expect to earn between $31.23 and $49.27 per hour. For part-time technologists working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a manageable work-life balance while still generating a solid income. The BLS data indicates a steady demand for these professionals, pointing to a growing need in varied settings such as orthopedic clinics and dedicated breast imaging centers, enhancing the prospects for both entry-level and seasoned technologists in the area.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.23 | $249.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.71 | $285.68 |
| Median (P50) | $40.32 | $322.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.91 | $367.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.27 | $394.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Little Rock
Based on $40.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.32/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $83,868 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,385. With a cost-of-living index of 89.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,612.84 | $6,989 | $83,868 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $967.70 | $4,193 | $50,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $645.14 | $2,796 | $33,547 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Little Rock) | $40.32 |
| 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 Little Rock, AR earn a median of $83,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.38% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.80% below the Arkansas state average of $87,168.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.32/hr = $50,321/year (purchasing power: $56,310).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,868/year (purchasing power: $93,850).
CoL index: 89.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Little Rock grew 32.1% from $29.07/hr (2019) to $38.39/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.35/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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock
For those seeking part-time opportunities, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week could realize an annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts, highlighting the importance of pay structures in the field. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Little Rock often reaches $55 to $85, and for specialized areas such as cardiac MRI, this can rise to between $75 and $110 per hour. Travel contracts also present lucrative alternatives, offering weekly earnings that range from $2,200 to $3,400. It's essential for technologists to consider employer types, as hospitals might offer stability and benefits while outpatient centers might present higher rates but lack perks like health insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, emphasizing skills in high-demand areas, such as cardiac MRI or mpMRI, may yield better compensation, regardless of whether one opts for full-time, part-time, or per-diem roles.
More salary data for Little Rock, 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 Little Rock. 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, 7-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