Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Kansas City, KS: $42.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Kansas City, KS runs $42.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kansas City, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $42.71. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.21, indicating a regional variance that professionals need to consider. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a substantial earning potential depending on the number of hours worked per shift. Facilities typical for MRI technologists include hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and research labs; each setting may offer diverse experiences and workload expectations. The hourly range in Kansas City stretches from $29.11 for entry-level positions to about $57.20 for top earners, showcasing that advancement and specialization within the field can lead to significant pay increases.
About the Kansas City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.11 | $232.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.74 | $277.95 |
| Median (P50) | $42.71 | $341.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.60 | $380.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.20 | $457.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $42.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.71/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, KS can expect to earn approximately $88,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,246. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,708.21 | $7,402 | $88,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,024.92 | $4,441 | $53,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $683.28 | $2,961 | $35,531 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Kansas City) | $42.71 |
| 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 Kansas City, KS earn a median of $88,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.42% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.60% below the Kansas state average of $91,199.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.71/hr = $53,296/year (purchasing power: $58,632).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,827/year (purchasing power: $97,719).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kansas City grew 30.1% from $31.26/hr (2019) to $40.66/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.85/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 Kansas 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 Kansas City
When examining part-time opportunities, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week at the median rate can expect to earn approximately $53,019 annually. This contrasts with full-time counterparts, who work 1,560 hours a year, benefitting from more consistent income. Per diem roles present another dimension, often yielding higher pay rates, with techs frequently billing anywhere from $55-$85 per hour, and specialized locations like cardiac MRI can command $75-$110. Travel contracts for MRI techs may offer lucrative weekly pay ranging from $2,200 to $3,400. Each type of employer, whether hospitals, outpatient centers, or mobile imaging companies, will have its own compensation structures, which is crucial when negotiating salaries. Some technologists may choose lower hourly rates to access benefits such as health insurance, while others might prefer higher pay for flexible per diem or agency work without the need for comprehensive benefits. For those in Kansas City, understanding these trade-offs and being prepared with data-driven negotiation strategies can improve earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kansas City in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kansas City?
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How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Kansas 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 Kansas 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 Kansas 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