Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Gaithersburg, MD: $53.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Gaithersburg, MD runs $53.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,410 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Gaithersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gaithersburg, Maryland, the projected median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at $53.08, significantly above the national median of $48.21. This higher hourly rate reflects both the advanced skill set required and the increasing demand for MRI services in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. Part-time work, often appealing for those seeking flexibility, typically involves schedules of three days a week, allowing professionals to earn substantial pay while maintaining a work-life balance. Entry-level technologists can expect to start around $37.85 per hour, while experienced technologists in specialized roles can earn up to $68.81 per hour, providing a wide compensation range for workers in the field.
About the Gaithersburg 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) | $37.85 | $302.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.32 | $354.58 |
| Median (P50) | $53.08 | $424.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.37 | $474.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.81 | $550.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gaithersburg
Based on $53.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.08/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gaithersburg, MD can expect to earn approximately $110,411 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,699. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gaithersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gaithersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,123.29 | $9,201 | $110,411 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,273.97 | $5,521 | $66,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $849.31 | $3,680 | $44,164 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Gaithersburg) | $53.08 |
| 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 Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $110,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $109,642.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.08/hr = $66,247/year (purchasing power: $60,610).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,411/year (purchasing power: $101,016).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Gaithersburg grew 30.1% from $38.86/hr (2019) to $50.54/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.75/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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg
For those pursuing part-time opportunities, a technologist working three days a week for a total of 24 hours can anticipate a yearly income that falls short of full-time counterparts but remains lucrative given the industry standard. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Gaithersburg can range from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialties like cardiac MRI offering even higher rates, sometimes reaching $110 per hour. Employment in various environments also influences wages; for example, hospital imaging departments and mobile MRI companies tend to have different pay scales. While some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly pay in per diem roles without benefits. This flexibility can allow for meaningful discussions during hiring negotiations, especially in a competitive market like Gaithersburg, where professionals can highlight their certifications and specialization as vital leverage.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Gaithersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Gaithersburg?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Gaithersburg paid hourly or salary?
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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 Gaithersburg. 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 Gaithersburg 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