Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in St. Petersburg, FL: $41.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in St. Petersburg, FL runs $41.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,380 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against St. Petersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,828 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Petersburg, Florida, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $41.53 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This difference can mean significant implications for both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem positions within various settings, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. The hourly rate ranges from $29.92 to $59.01, allowing those entering the profession to expect a starting wage closer to the lower end, while experienced technologists can command wages at the higher end of the spectrum. These figures suggest that those in St. Petersburg, particularly per-diem workers in specialized fields like cardiac MRI, may find themselves in settings where demand creates competitive hourly rates, though generally lower than the national average.
About the St. Petersburg 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) | $29.92 | $239.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.16 | $281.31 |
| Median (P50) | $41.53 | $332.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.37 | $370.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.01 | $472.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Petersburg
Based on $41.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.53/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Petersburg, FL can expect to earn approximately $86,380 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,835. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in St. Petersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Petersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,661.15 | $7,198 | $86,380 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.69 | $4,319 | $51,828 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.46 | $2,879 | $34,552 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (St. Petersburg) | $41.53 |
| 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 St. Petersburg, FL earn a median of $86,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.86% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.60% below the Florida state average of $87,784.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.53/hr = $51,828/year (purchasing power: $51,417).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,380/year (purchasing power: $85,694).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in St. Petersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Petersburg grew 30.1% from $30.40/hr (2019) to $39.54/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.62/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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg
Considering the earning potential for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time in St. Petersburg reveals some interesting prospects. A professional working three days a week, clocking roughly 24 hours, can earn about $51,811 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. However, per-diem specialists can command higher short-term rates, billed between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI positions reaching up to $110 in some cases. The various settings—hospital imaging departments, freestanding outpatient centers, and travel MRI tech agencies—offer different pay scales, often influenced by the level of benefits provided. Therefore, while some technologists may opt for roles with higher hourly rates but without benefits, others might prefer the stability of positions with health insurance at a lower rate. Negotiation can play a key role as well, with professionals advised to highlight experience, certifications in specialties like cardiac MRI or mpMRI, and local market demand.
More salary data for St. Petersburg, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Petersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in St. Petersburg?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Petersburg paid hourly or salary?
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Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in St. Petersburg?
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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 St. Petersburg. 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 St. Petersburg 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