Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $48.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in South Portland, ME runs $48.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,882 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,135 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay reaches a median of $48.99, slightly higher than the national average of $48.21. This competitive rate allows part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, to earn a commendable income while enjoying flexible schedules. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Portland can expect a pay range from $38.08 to $64.39 per hour, depending on experience and specific job settings such as hospital MRI suites, specialized outpatient centers, or mobile MRI facilities. The significant gap in pay from entry-level positions to experienced technologists, who can earn near the top of the spectrum, illustrates the value placed on expertise in this highly specialized field.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.08 | $304.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.13 | $337.02 |
| Median (P50) | $48.99 | $391.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.47 | $435.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.39 | $515.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $48.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.99/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $101,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,783. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,959.44 | $8,491 | $101,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,175.66 | $5,095 | $61,135 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $783.78 | $3,396 | $40,756 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (South Portland) | $48.99 |
| 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 South Portland, ME earn a median of $101,882 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.59% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.00% above the Maine state average of $99,885.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.99/hr = $61,135/year (purchasing power: $61,380).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,891/year (purchasing power: $102,300).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Portland grew 30.1% from $35.86/hr (2019) to $46.64/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.45/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 South Portland 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 South Portland
The earning potential for part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists is substantial, with 24 hours of work each week translating into roughly $61,000 annually, compared to full-time wages that could exceed $100,000. The per diem or agency route can yield even higher hourly rates, with compensation between $55 and $85 per hour for standard assignments; cardiac MRI specialists might find themselves in an even more lucrative market, billing $75 to $110 hourly. Opportunities vary widely across employer types in South Portland, with hospital and outpatient settings generally offering steadier schedules but perhaps lower pay compared to travel MRI contracts which could net $2,200-$3,400 weekly. Many technologists must weigh the pros and cons of accepting lower hourly pay for positions that provide health benefits against the opportunity for higher pay in roles that lack such coverage. As local demand for MRI skills increases while specialties like cardiac MRI continue to grow, negotiation tactics become critical; establishing a clear understanding of the market would empower technologists to secure the most favorable offers.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 South Portland. 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 South Portland 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