Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Bowling Green, KY: $42.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Bowling Green, KY runs $42.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,760 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Bowling Green's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,257 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bowling Green, Kentucky, the projected hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists stands at $42.67, considerably lower than the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate provides a viable option for part-time or per-diem workers, particularly in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and even mobile MRI trailers. Those in entry-level positions can expect to earn approximately $29.31, while more experienced technologists may command up to $58.30 per hour. This range makes the profession appealing for individuals seeking flexible work schedules or supplemental income while engaged in critical diagnostic imaging roles.
About the Bowling Green Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky 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) | $29.31 | $234.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.36 | $298.87 |
| Median (P50) | $42.67 | $341.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.46 | $387.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.30 | $466.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bowling Green
Based on $42.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.67/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bowling Green, KY can expect to earn approximately $88,761 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,208. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bowling Green.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bowling Green
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,706.95 | $7,397 | $88,761 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,024.17 | $4,438 | $53,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $682.78 | $2,959 | $35,505 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Bowling Green) | $42.67 |
| 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 Bowling Green, KY earn a median of $88,760 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.49% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% below the Kentucky state average of $89,566.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.67/hr = $53,257/year (purchasing power: $59,638).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,761/year (purchasing power: $99,397).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bowling Green (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bowling Green grew 30.6% from $31.12/hr (2019) to $40.63/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.82/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 Bowling Green 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 Bowling Green
Examining the financial potential of part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists reveals a substantial difference when compared to full-time positions. Someone working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, may realize an annual income significantly less than full-time colleagues, who benefit from greater weekly hours and possibly health benefits. In the realm of per diem work, radiologic technicians often bill between $55 to $85 per hour, especially in specialized areas such as cardiac MRI. Travel contracts can offer as much as $3,400 per week, a lucrative incentive for those willing to move. Hourly rates vary across types of employers in Bowling Green, including outpatient imaging centers and hospital departments, with some opting for a lower hourly rate for the trade-off of health insurance benefits. For technologists in negotiations, understanding their worth in the local market and researching employer specifics can provide an edge in achieving favorable pay terms.
More salary data for Bowling Green, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bowling Green in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Bowling Green?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bowling Green paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Bowling Green?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Bowling Green?
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Career Resources
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 Bowling Green. 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 Bowling Green 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