Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Owensboro, KY: $43.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Owensboro, KY runs $43.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,285 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Owensboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,174 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Owensboro, KY, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $43.41, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This compensation level allows part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, such as hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers, to make a decent living. With entry-level positions starting around $31.02 per hour and experienced technologists earning up to $56.45, the pay range is reflective of the specialized skill set required for this profession. These rates are crucial for those considering flexible work arrangements, enabling them to plan accordingly for their schedules in MRI service areas, including mobile units and specialty clinics.
About the Owensboro 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) | $31.02 | $248.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.29 | $290.30 |
| Median (P50) | $43.41 | $347.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.58 | $380.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.45 | $451.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Owensboro
Based on $43.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.41/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Owensboro, KY can expect to earn approximately $90,291 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,091. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Owensboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Owensboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,736.36 | $7,524 | $90,291 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,041.81 | $4,515 | $54,174 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $694.54 | $3,010 | $36,116 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Owensboro) | $43.41 |
| 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 Owensboro, KY earn a median of $90,285 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.97% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% above the Kentucky state average of $89,568.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.41/hr = $54,174/year (purchasing power: $60,666).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,291/year (purchasing power: $101,109).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Owensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Owensboro grew 30.1% from $31.78/hr (2019) to $41.33/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.59/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 Owensboro 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 Owensboro
When considering part-time positions, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist who works three days a week typically brings home approximately $67,932 annually, significantly lower than full-time counterparts but still offering financial viability. Per-diem and agency MRI technologists often benefit from higher billing rates, ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI roles commanding even more at $75 to $110 per hour. This creates a stark contrast in pay depending on where one is employed, whether at hospital imaging departments or private practices. For those in Owensboro, negotiation is key, especially when weighing immediate pay against potential benefits like health insurance. It’s wise for these professionals to demonstrate their value effectively when discussing hourly pay, particularly in a competitive job market influenced by both national trends and regional demands for skilled technologists.
More salary data for Owensboro, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Owensboro. 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 Owensboro 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