Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Pine Bluff, AR: $40.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Pine Bluff, AR runs $40.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,062 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Pine Bluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,042 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $40.90 in 2026. This figure falls short compared to the national hourly median of $48.21, highlighting a noticeable gap for professionals in this area. For those working part-time, like operating three days a week, the earnings can amount to roughly $31,500 annually, depending on hours worked in busy settings such as hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers. Entry-level MRI technologists might earn around $29.26, while top earners can see rates peaking at $54.50 per hour, reflecting the diverse demands of different workplaces, from mobile MRI units to specialized orthopedic practices.
About the Pine Bluff 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) | $29.26 | $234.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.11 | $272.91 |
| Median (P50) | $40.90 | $327.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.01 | $368.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.50 | $436.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pine Bluff
Based on $40.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.90/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pine Bluff, AR can expect to earn approximately $85,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,078. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pine Bluff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pine Bluff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,635.95 | $7,089 | $85,069 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $981.57 | $4,253 | $51,042 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $654.38 | $2,836 | $34,028 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Pine Bluff) | $40.90 |
| 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 Pine Bluff, AR earn a median of $85,062 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.18% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.40% below the Arkansas state average of $87,153.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.90/hr = $51,042/year (purchasing power: $58,736).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,069/year (purchasing power: $97,893).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Pine Bluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Pine Bluff grew 30.1% from $29.94/hr (2019) to $38.94/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.96/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 Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff
The earning potential for part-time and per-diem work in Pine Bluff can further enhance economic flexibility for magnetic resonance imaging technologists. Part-time professionals earning $40.90 per hour could realize a total of approximately $62,300 annually if they transitioned to a full-time role—significantly impacting their financial stability. Many per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists typically bill upwards of $55 to $85 per hour, and with cardiac MRI specialties, pay rates can reach $75 to $110 per hour or even higher with travel contracts that can net between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly. Different employer types in the region can influence pay scales; for instance, hospital departments may offer stable roles with benefits, while outpatient centers might provide higher hourly wages without comparable health insurance. As MRI professionals in Pine Bluff consider their options, negotiating based on their specific needs—whether they choose to prioritize hourly pay or seek benefits from full-time positions—will be critical to achieving both financial and career satisfaction.
More salary data for Pine Bluff, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Pine Bluff in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Pine Bluff?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Pine Bluff paid hourly or salary?
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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 Pine Bluff. 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 Pine Bluff 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