Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $40.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Murray, KY runs $40.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,758 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,255 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Murray, Kentucky, is projected to be $40.27, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This hourly rate is significant for those considering part-time roles, as working three days a week typically results in a manageable 24-hour work schedule. For per-diem workers, this hourly figure can translate into flexible income opportunities in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. Entry-level positions might offer an hourly rate starting around $32.43, while experienced professionals can earn up to $51.24, illustrating the broad spectrum of pay within this specialized field.
About the Murray 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) | $32.43 | $259.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.06 | $288.45 |
| Median (P50) | $40.27 | $322.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.05 | $352.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.24 | $409.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $40.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.27/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $83,758 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,322. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,610.74 | $6,980 | $83,758 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $966.44 | $4,188 | $50,255 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.30 | $2,792 | $33,503 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Murray) | $40.27 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $83,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.48% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $89,581.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.27/hr = $50,255/year (purchasing power: $56,277).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,758/year (purchasing power: $93,794).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Murray grew 30.1% from $29.48/hr (2019) to $38.34/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.29/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 Murray 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 Murray
Examining part-time financial outcomes reveals intriguing differences, particularly when comparing to full-time earnings. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time in Murray can expect to take home around $50,201 annually, while full-time technologists might see a more substantial income. Meanwhile, per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Murray ranges significantly higher, with rates anywhere between $55 to $85 for standard roles and up to $110 for cardiac MRI specialists. Hourly rates can also shift based on employer type; hospital departments may offer steadier hours with health benefits, whereas outpatient imaging centers often provide higher pay without insurance perks. To maximize earnings, technologists should consider negotiating rates based on their qualifications and experience, especially since many facilities seek specialized skills within cardiac MRI and research applications.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Murray in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Murray?
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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 Murray. 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 Murray 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