Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY: $47.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY runs $47.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,390 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Louisville/Jefferson County's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,627 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Louisville/Jefferson County, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist earns a median hourly pay of $47.78, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This rate presents attractive opportunities for part-time professionals working three days a week, allowing for a decent income while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule. For those in need of more flexible arrangements, per-diem roles in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile MRI trailers can offer similar hourly rates. In this local market, the pay range for MRI technologists spans from $38.66 at the entry level to $60.36 for top earners, according to projections based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026. This hourly range supports technicians across various settings such as orthopedic surgery practices and breast imaging centers.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.66 | $309.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.70 | $325.59 |
| Median (P50) | $47.78 | $382.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.81 | $406.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.36 | $482.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville/Jefferson County
Based on $47.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.78/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY can expect to earn approximately $99,379 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,334. With a cost-of-living index of 93.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville/Jefferson County.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville/Jefferson County
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,911.13 | $8,282 | $99,379 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,146.68 | $4,969 | $59,627 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $764.45 | $3,313 | $39,751 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Louisville/Jefferson County) | $47.78 |
| 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 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY earn a median of $99,390 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.89% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 11.00% above the Kentucky state average of $89,540.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.78/hr = $59,627/year (purchasing power: $64,064).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,379/year (purchasing power: $106,774).
CoL index: 93.074 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Louisville/Jefferson County (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 32.2% from $34.40/hr (2019) to $45.49/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.18/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 Louisville/Jefferson County 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 Louisville/Jefferson County
The potential earnings for magnetic resonance imaging technologists can significantly differ based on employment type and work patterns. For example, a part-time technologist working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $58,185 annually, while full-time counterparts may reach up to $99,390 a year. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can command higher rates, billing between $55 and $85 hourly, especially for specialized procedures like cardiac MRI, where rates can soar to $110. Furthermore, MRI technicians considering agency or travel contracts often discover lucrative weekly pay ranges of $2,200 to $3,400, particularly in cardiac care. In Louisville/Jefferson County, hourly rates can vary substantially depending on the employer, with hospitals typically providing stable benefits but potentially lower hourly pay compared to freestanding centers that may offer higher wages without benefits. To maximize earning potential in this field, MRI technologists should assess each job offer carefully and negotiate rates to reflect their expertise and the demand for their skills, especially in growing subspecialties like cardiac MRI and mpMRI.
More salary data for Louisville/Jefferson County, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Louisville/Jefferson County in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Louisville/Jefferson County?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Louisville/Jefferson County paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Louisville/Jefferson County?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Louisville/Jefferson County?
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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 Louisville/Jefferson County. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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