Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Panama City, FL: $41.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Panama City, FL runs $41.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,063 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Panama City's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,234 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Panama City, the hourly compensation for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at $41.85, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $48.21. For those working part-time, typically around three days a week, this pay can translate into a steady income while offering flexible scheduling opportunities. The hourly range in this profession varies significantly, from approximately $31.12 for entry-level positions to around $53.04 for experienced technologists. This breadth of pay reflects the diverse employment settings available for MRI techs, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient facilities, mobile units, and specialized imaging centers. By understanding the nuances of the hourly pay structure, technologists can make informed decisions about their work arrangements, particularly in a market where demand for skilled MRI professionals continues to rise.
About the Panama City Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.12 | $248.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.74 | $285.93 |
| Median (P50) | $41.85 | $334.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.46 | $363.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.04 | $424.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Panama City
Based on $41.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.85/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Panama City, FL can expect to earn approximately $87,057 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,225. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Panama City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Panama City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,674.18 | $7,255 | $87,057 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,004.51 | $4,353 | $52,234 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.67 | $2,902 | $34,823 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Panama City) | $41.85 |
| 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 Panama City, FL earn a median of $87,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.18% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the Florida state average of $87,765.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.85/hr = $52,234/year (purchasing power: $51,820).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,057/year (purchasing power: $86,366).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Panama City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Panama City grew 34.7% from $29.58/hr (2019) to $39.85/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.96/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 Panama City 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 Panama City
Looking into the potential earnings of magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Panama City, part-time workers clocking in at 24 hours a week could take home approximately $52,051 each year, which is a competitive figure compared to full-time counterparts. Additional income streams may arise for per-diem or agency workers, who typically command higher hourly rates between $55 and $85, with specialized cardiac MRI roles reaching up to $110 per hour. Various employment types—such as hospitals, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and mobile MRI solutions—can influence hourly pay rates significantly. While some technologists might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly rates without such perks. Negotiating for optimal pay in Panama City requires insight into these employer dynamics and an understanding of local market trends, enabling technologists to align their earnings with their career goals and personal circumstances.
More salary data for Panama City, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Panama City in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Panama City?
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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 Panama City. 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 Panama City 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