Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Meridian, ID: $46.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Meridian, ID runs $46.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,926 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,556 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Meridian, Idaho, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $46.12 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $48.21. This difference is relevant for those considering part-time work; for example, a technologist working three days a week can expect to earn around $59,515 annually, which reflects a balance between manageable hours and consistent pay. Part-time and per-diem work are common in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. The hourly pay range for MRI technologists in this region varies significantly, with entry-level techs earning approximately $34.10 and experienced professionals reaching up to $63.45, indicating a strong earning potential influenced by expertise and workplace environment.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.10 | $272.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.58 | $316.60 |
| Median (P50) | $46.12 | $368.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.74 | $405.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.45 | $507.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $46.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.12/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, ID can expect to earn approximately $95,927 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,342. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,844.75 | $7,994 | $95,927 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,106.85 | $4,796 | $57,556 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $737.90 | $3,198 | $38,371 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Meridian) | $46.12 |
| 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 Meridian, ID earn a median of $95,926 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $95,544.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.12/hr = $57,556/year (purchasing power: $60,395).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,927/year (purchasing power: $100,658).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Meridian grew 30.1% from $33.76/hr (2019) to $43.91/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.44/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
In the realm of employment types, magnetic resonance imaging technologists have unique opportunities for earning potential depending on their work arrangements. For those pursuing per-diem roles, billing rates typically range from $55 to $85 per hour, while specialized cardiac MRI technologists might command even higher wages, around $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts may yield substantial weekly earnings between $2,200 and $3,400, making such positions appealing for those willing to relocate temporarily. In Meridian, the hourly rates can vary based on whether professionals work in hospital imaging departments versus outpatient centers or mobile MRI-based companies. Some technologists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, a trade-off not uncommon in the industry. Negotiating for fair compensation is essential in this context, and technologists should be prepared to discuss their qualifications and any additional certifications, like MRSO or ARRT(MR), when approaching potential employers.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Meridian in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Meridian?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Meridian paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Meridian?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Meridian?
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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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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