Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Louisville, KY: $46.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Louisville, KY runs $46.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,634 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,579 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Louisville, Kentucky, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $46.94, slightly below the national median of $48.21. This competitive pay level supports a range of work environments, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and specialized facilities like breast imaging centers and research labs. With wages ranging from $31.26 for entry-level technicians to $64.90 for the most experienced, the hourly earnings reflect both the demand for skilled MRI technologists and the variety of roles they may fulfill. These figures, derived from annual salary projections, highlight the lucrative opportunities available not only for full-time techs but also for part-time and per-diem workers looking to balance their schedules while still maintaining a strong hourly income in a bustling healthcare market.
About the Louisville 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) | $31.26 | $250.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.81 | $302.49 |
| Median (P50) | $46.94 | $375.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.30 | $426.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.90 | $519.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $46.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.94/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, KY can expect to earn approximately $97,631 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,325. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,877.52 | $8,136 | $97,631 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,126.51 | $4,882 | $58,579 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $751.01 | $3,254 | $39,052 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Louisville) | $46.94 |
| 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, KY earn a median of $97,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $89,572.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.94/hr = $58,579/year (purchasing power: $65,597).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,631/year (purchasing power: $109,329).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Louisville grew 30.1% from $34.36/hr (2019) to $44.69/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.30/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 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
For those considering part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist employed three days a week would typically take home a considerably reduced annual income compared to their full-time counterparts but still benefit from a reasonable wage for shorter hours. Per-diem positions present attractive earning potential, where MRI techs can command rates between $55 to $85 per hour, and more specialized roles, such as cardiac MRI, can reach $75 to $110 per hour. Many travel MRI technologists in Louisville find lucrative contracts, earning between $2,200 and $3,400 per week. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer, with hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI services each offering different compensation packages. Some technologists may choose lower hourly wages due to benefits such as health insurance, while others may prefer higher pay rates without a benefits package. For job seekers, negotiating hourly pay effectively often involves understanding the specific market and being clear about the value their skills bring to various healthcare settings in Louisville, KY.
More salary data for Louisville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Louisville in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Louisville?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Louisville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Louisville?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Louisville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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