Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbia, MD: $52.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Columbia, MD runs $52.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,983 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,984 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, Maryland, the typical hourly wage for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $52.87 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $48.21. This competitive rate allows for substantial income, particularly beneficial for part-time workers who may choose to work three days a week, securing a steady income while enjoying a work-life balance. These technologists typically operate in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and specialized facilities focusing on cardiac imaging or breast MRI. The hourly range spans from an entry-level rate of $37.01 to an impressive $71.95 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the demand for expertise in advanced MRI technologies prevalent in Columbia, MD.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.01 | $296.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.76 | $350.04 |
| Median (P50) | $52.87 | $422.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.77 | $478.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.95 | $575.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $52.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.87/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MD can expect to earn approximately $109,974 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,447. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,114.88 | $9,164 | $109,974 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,268.93 | $5,499 | $65,984 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $845.95 | $3,666 | $43,990 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Columbia) | $52.87 |
| 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 Columbia, MD earn a median of $109,983 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.67% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% above the Maryland state average of $109,654.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.87/hr = $65,984/year (purchasing power: $60,370).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,974/year (purchasing power: $100,617).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbia grew 30.1% from $38.70/hr (2019) to $50.34/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.53/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Considering the financial specifics, a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week would earn a salary translating to approximately $66,006 annually—substantially lower than what a full-time technologist would make. Many professionals in this field may also choose per-diem roles, where they can expect to bill anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour for standard work, with rates for cardiac MRI reaching up to $110. Employers vary widely in compensation; for instance, hospital imaging departments generally offer different pay scales compared to mobile MRI providers or outpatient centers. Some technologists might accept lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, while others may prefer the flexibility of earning more without those perks. When negotiating pay, it's beneficial to emphasize your credentials and experience, especially in Columbia’s thriving market for specialized MRI services.
More salary data for Columbia, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Columbia?
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How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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