Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Sterling Heights, MI: $45.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Sterling Heights, MI runs $45.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,421 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Sterling Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,255 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling Heights, MI, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $45.88. This is slightly below the national median of $48.21, indicating that while local pay is competitive, it has some room for growth relative to nationwide trends. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days per week, this hourly rate translates into a worthwhile income in settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, or even mobile MRI units. The hourly rates for entry-level positions start at approximately $31.59, while the top earners can command as much as $64.84 per hour, making it a potentially lucrative career path as practitioners gain experience or specialize in fields such as cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.59 | $252.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.57 | $300.55 |
| Median (P50) | $45.88 | $367.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.37 | $402.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.84 | $518.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling Heights
Based on $45.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.88/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $95,424 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,053. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sterling Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,835.08 | $7,952 | $95,424 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,101.05 | $4,771 | $57,255 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $734.03 | $3,181 | $38,170 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Sterling Heights) | $45.88 |
| 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 Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $95,421 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.85% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $93,458.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.88/hr = $57,255/year (purchasing power: $61,432).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,424/year (purchasing power: $102,387).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sterling Heights grew 30.1% from $33.58/hr (2019) to $43.68/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.18/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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights
Looking at the earning potential for part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists, those working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $57,376 annually, which is significantly below what full-time professionals might earn. For per-diem roles, pay often ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized positions like cardiac MRI attracting even higher rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Travel MRI techs can find contracts that offer $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, highlighting the variability in earnings depending on employment type. Additionally, different settings in Sterling Heights can affect rates; those in hospitals might offer benefits that justify lower hourly wages compared to outpatient centers that may pay more but provide fewer perks. For technologists seeking to negotiate their hourly pay, understanding employer-specific compensation practices is essential in achieving a balance between pay, benefits, and work-life balance.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sterling Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Sterling Heights?
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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 Sterling Heights. 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 Sterling Heights 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