Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lawrence, KS: $44.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lawrence, KS runs $44.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,176 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,302 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The average hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lawrence, Kansas, stands at $44.31. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21, reflecting local market conditions and cost of living differences in the area. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $3,304 monthly for 24 hours of work, which can be a viable earning option for those seeking flexibility. Per-diem imaging technologists, operating in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and mobile imaging trailers, typically see a wide range in compensation. The hourly wage varies from $30.58 for entry-level positions to $57.90 for top earners, showcasing significant earnings potential based on experience and specialization.
About the Lawrence 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) | $30.58 | $244.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.90 | $311.22 |
| Median (P50) | $44.31 | $354.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.74 | $389.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.90 | $463.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $44.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.31/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, KS can expect to earn approximately $92,169 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,175. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,772.49 | $7,681 | $92,169 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,063.49 | $4,608 | $55,302 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $708.99 | $3,072 | $36,868 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lawrence) | $44.31 |
| 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 Lawrence, KS earn a median of $92,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.08% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.10% above the Kansas state average of $91,174.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.31/hr = $55,302/year (purchasing power: $60,838).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,169/year (purchasing power: $101,396).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lawrence grew 30.1% from $32.44/hr (2019) to $42.19/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.54/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
When considering part-time versus full-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist's actual take-home pay can shift considerably. For example, a technologist working part-time at $44.31 per hour might earn around $39,648 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time peers collecting salaries exceeding $92,176 annually. Furthermore, per-diem workers often enjoy elevated hourly rates, charging between $55 and $85 for general MRI work or even reaching $75 to $110 for cardiac MRI tasks. The choice of employer also influences pay significantly—those in hospital settings might have access to better benefits compared to independent centers or mobile units that may offer higher hourly rates but lack health insurance. As a result, some professionals may prefer jobs with lower hourly pay to secure benefits. Negotiating hourly wages in Lawrence can involve considering the employer type and specific market demands, which often allows for discussions around compensation packages that include both pay and benefits.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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