Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lakeland, FL: $43.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lakeland, FL runs $43.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,832 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lakeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,899 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lakeland, Florida, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $43.19, which falls below the national median of $48.21 per hour. For technologists who work part-time—typically around three days a week—this hourly rate can translate into a manageable income while allowing flexibility. The work settings for these professionals, which include hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI services, provide various opportunities for both regular and per-diem positions. Entry-level MRI technologists can expect to earn at least $30.55 per hour, while more experienced specialists can reach up to $49.87 per hour, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This variance enables technologists to find a niche that aligns with their career goals and lifestyle.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.55 | $244.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.08 | $320.64 |
| Median (P50) | $43.19 | $345.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.32 | $370.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.87 | $398.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakeland
Based on $43.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.19/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakeland, FL can expect to earn approximately $89,832 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,826. With a cost-of-living index of 97.14 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,727.53 | $7,486 | $89,832 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,036.52 | $4,492 | $53,899 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $691.01 | $2,994 | $35,933 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lakeland) | $43.19 |
| 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 Lakeland, FL earn a median of $89,832 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.42% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.30% above the Florida state average of $87,812.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.19/hr = $53,899/year (purchasing power: $55,485).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,832/year (purchasing power: $92,476).
CoL index: 97.141 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lakeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lakeland grew 17.9% from $34.89/hr (2019) to $41.12/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.36/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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland
Exploring the earning potential of part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lakeland reveals a distinct picture. For example, working 24 hours a week at the median rate results in about $53,823 annually, while full-time technologists typically earn more. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can often command rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists earning up to $110 per hour. Different employers impact pay disparities, as hospital departments and outpatient imaging centers generally compensate differently than mobile MRI companies and orthopedic practices. Some magnetic resonance imaging technologists may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without insurance. To enhance negotiation outcomes, aspiring technologists should research local compensation trends and consider the benefits versus hourly rates when assessing job offers.
More salary data for Lakeland, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lakeland in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lakeland?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lakeland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Lakeland?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lakeland?
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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 Lakeland. 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