Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Liberal, KS: $40.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Liberal, KS runs $40.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,019 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Liberal's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,015 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberal, Kansas, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $40.88, a figure notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate translates into a solid income for those working in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and research labs. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this means they can anticipate significant earnings while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly range in Liberal starts at $32.55 for entry-level positions and peaks at $53.21 for more experienced technologists, reflecting the diverse pay structure fueled by demand in specialty imaging.
About the Liberal 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) | $32.55 | $260.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.46 | $291.65 |
| Median (P50) | $40.88 | $327.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.06 | $344.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.21 | $425.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberal
Based on $40.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.88/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberal, KS can expect to earn approximately $85,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,053. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,635.11 | $7,085 | $85,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $981.06 | $4,251 | $51,015 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $654.04 | $2,834 | $34,010 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Liberal) | $40.88 |
| 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 Liberal, KS earn a median of $85,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $91,124.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.88/hr = $51,015/year (purchasing power: $56,122).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,026/year (purchasing power: $93,537).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Liberal grew 30.1% from $29.92/hr (2019) to $38.92/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.93/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 Liberal 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 Liberal
For a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time, the earnings over the course of a year can be quite substantial. Specifically, a technologist working 24 hours a week could see an annual income that varies depending on their hourly engagement. Per-diem opportunities also provide enticing figures; MRI techs often charge between $55 and $85 per hour, with those in cardiac imaging potentially earning $75 to $110. Travel contracts offer an even greater incentive, allowing MRI professionals to earn between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly, especially for cardiac specialties. The pay landscape varies across employer types in Liberal, whether it be hospitals, outpatient centers, or mobile companies, and many technologists find themselves weighing the benefits of stability and health insurance against a higher hourly rate when choosing their work arrangements. Negotiation strategies focused on specialty skills and certifications can be advantageous for those looking to maximize their earnings in this competitive field.
More salary data for Liberal, 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 Liberal. 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 Liberal 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