Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Wheaton, MD: $52.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Wheaton, MD runs $52.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,594 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,762 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Maryland, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist taps into a competitive hourly rate of $52.69, which surpasses the national hourly median of $48.21 by 9.28%. This lucrative pay translates well for both part-time workers and per-diem employees who operate in typical settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. Those pursuing a part-time schedule, working approximately three days a week, could still expect to earn a substantial income, with entry-level positions starting around $36.94 per hour and top earners reaching $69.56 per hour. Given that these figures are derived from annual salary data, they reflect a stable earning potential that attracts professionals to the field in Wheaton.
About the Wheaton 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) | $36.94 | $295.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.52 | $348.20 |
| Median (P50) | $52.69 | $421.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.39 | $467.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.56 | $556.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $52.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.69/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, MD can expect to earn approximately $109,603 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,232. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,107.74 | $9,134 | $109,603 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,264.65 | $5,480 | $65,762 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $843.10 | $3,653 | $43,841 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Wheaton) | $52.69 |
| 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 Wheaton, MD earn a median of $109,594 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.28% higher than the national median of $100,283.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.69/hr = $65,762/year (purchasing power: $60,166).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,603/year (purchasing power: $100,277).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wheaton grew 30.1% from $38.57/hr (2019) to $50.17/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.34/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Exploring the part-time landscape further reveals that a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working a 24-hour week can take home an impressive annual income, significantly buoyed by this hourly compensation structure. Per-diem opportunities present an even broader financial horizon, with MRI techs billing anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour, and specialized cardiac MRI per-diem rates ranging from $75 to $110 per hour. Contract work in this field also remains advantageous, yielding weekly earnings between $2,200 and $3,400, particularly for those in cardiac imaging roles. Employers such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and travel agencies all present varying hourly rates and benefit packages. Ultimately, many techs must balance between higher hourly pay and the security of health benefits. Therefore, negotiating for optimal pay while considering the value of benefits becomes pivotal for those in this profession, particularly within the vibrant healthcare market of Wheaton, MD.
More salary data for Wheaton, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wheaton in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Wheaton?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wheaton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Wheaton?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Wheaton?
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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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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