Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbus, IN: $43.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Columbus, IN runs $43.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,061 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,043 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Indiana, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $43.30, placing them below the national average of $48.21. This hourly wage translates well for those seeking part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, where consistent shifts in hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and other settings can be financially rewarding. For entry-level technologists, the hourly pay starts at approximately $31.71, while seasoned professionals can reach up to $54.30 per hour, depending on experience and the nature of their employment. Overall, the hourly data reflects a diverse and evolving landscape for MRI technologists, with various settings offering unique compensation structures.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Indiana 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) | $31.71 | $253.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.62 | $292.99 |
| Median (P50) | $43.30 | $346.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.69 | $373.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.30 | $434.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $43.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.30/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, IN can expect to earn approximately $90,072 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,965. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,732.15 | $7,506 | $90,072 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,039.29 | $4,504 | $54,043 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $692.86 | $3,002 | $36,029 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Columbus) | $43.30 |
| 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 Columbus, IN earn a median of $90,061 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.19% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.50% below the Indiana state average of $91,433.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.30/hr = $54,043/year (purchasing power: $59,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,072/year (purchasing power: $98,655).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbus grew 30.1% from $31.70/hr (2019) to $41.23/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.48/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
The earning potential for a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Columbus notably contrasts with full-time counterparts; for someone working 24 hours a week, annual earnings could realistically land around $53,874 compared to the more typical full-time salary. Per-diem and agency work can significantly alter take-home pay, as per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists often command rates between $55 and $85 per hour, with premium rates for specialized modalities like cardiac MRI reaching up to $110. Different employment environments—ranging from hospital imaging departments to mobile services and orthopedic practices—also influence hourly compensation. While some technologists may accept lower hourly rates for full-time positions with benefits, others prioritize higher pay without benefits for greater flexibility. For those negotiating in Columbus, understanding the local demand for specific specialties can yield advantageous terms, making it essential to assess opportunities across varied employers.
More salary data for Columbus, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Columbus?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Columbus?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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