Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Southaven, MS: $40.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Southaven, MS runs $40.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,542 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Southaven's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,727 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Southaven, Mississippi, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $40.65 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.21. For professionals seeking part-time work, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, this rate can equate to about $1,237.60 a week, translating to an annual income of roughly $64,339. These technologists commonly work in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and even mobile MRI trailers. New entrants in this field might expect to earn around $30.69 hourly, while experienced professionals, especially those specializing in cardiac MRI or working at higher-tier facilities, can reach up to $52.34 hourly.
About the Southaven Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.69 | $245.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.22 | $281.73 |
| Median (P50) | $40.65 | $325.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.24 | $353.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.34 | $418.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Southaven
Based on $40.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.65/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Southaven, MS can expect to earn approximately $84,545 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,776. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Southaven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Southaven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,625.86 | $7,045 | $84,545 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $975.52 | $4,227 | $50,727 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $650.35 | $2,818 | $33,818 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Southaven) | $40.65 |
| 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 Southaven, MS earn a median of $84,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $85,916.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.65/hr = $50,727/year (purchasing power: $59,191).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,545/year (purchasing power: $98,652).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Southaven grew 30.1% from $29.75/hr (2019) to $38.70/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.69/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 Southaven 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 Southaven
Looking deeper into the part-time and per-diem potential, MRI technologists opting for three-day work weeks can earn considerably different annual incomes compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem roles often yield higher hourly rates, with many professionals in Southaven billing between $55 and $85 per hour, particularly in specialized fields like cardiac MRI, which can draw rates from $75 to $110. Travel contracts for MRI techs can offer attractive earnings of $2,200 to $3,400 per week, making this a lucrative option for those willing to relocate temporarily. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type; hospitals and outpatient centers may offer benefits that can justify slightly lower pay, whereas agencies and travel contracts tend to compensate at a premium but often lack health insurance options. For technologists exploring opportunities in Southaven, being flexible in negotiations about pay versus benefits can enhance their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Southaven, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Southaven in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Southaven?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Southaven paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Southaven?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Southaven?
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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 Southaven. 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 Southaven 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