Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Detroit, MI: $43.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Detroit, MI runs $43.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,441 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Detroit's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,266 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Detroit, MI, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $43.48, a figure that falls below the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This hourly wage has significant implications for professionals in various work arrangements, particularly those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a technologist working three days a week at this average pay could earn about $1,377 weekly, making it an attractive option for those who seek flexibility while still securing a competitive income. The hourly range for MRI techs in Detroit officially spans from $38.62 for entry-level positions to $48.27 for experienced professionals. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, underlines the ongoing demand for skilled MRI technologists in diverse settings like hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.62 | $308.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.26 | $330.05 |
| Median (P50) | $43.48 | $347.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.16 | $369.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.27 | $386.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Detroit
Based on $43.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.48/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Detroit, MI can expect to earn approximately $90,443 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,179. With a cost-of-living index of 100.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Detroit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Detroit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,739.30 | $7,537 | $90,443 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,043.58 | $4,522 | $54,266 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $695.72 | $3,015 | $36,177 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Detroit) | $43.48 |
| 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 Detroit, MI earn a median of $90,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.81% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.20% below the Michigan state average of $93,431.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.48/hr = $54,266/year (purchasing power: $54,105).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,443/year (purchasing power: $90,175).
CoL index: 100.298 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Detroit grew 35.7% from $30.51/hr (2019) to $41.40/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.67/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 Detroit 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 Detroit
Exploring the intricacies of pay structures reveals the variability in earning potential among part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Detroit. A technologist working part-time for 24 hours a week could see their annual earnings reach approximately $68,049, significantly lower than full-time counterparts while still yielding a respectable income. For those engaged in per-diem roles, hourly rates can soar, with typical billing rates ranging from $55 to $85, and rates for cardiac MRI per-diem positions climbing even higher to between $75 and $110. Furthermore, travel MRI technologist contracts can range from $2,200 to $3,400 per week, creating tantalizing prospects for those willing to work in various locations. Salary disparities also arise depending on the type of employer, with hospitals generally offering lower hourly rates compared to private imaging centers or agencies that often provide higher pay but fewer benefits. For technologists in Detroit, negotiating for better hourly pay while considering the trade-off between salary and benefits can greatly impact their overall job satisfaction and financial health.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
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 Detroit. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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