Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Starkville, MS: $40.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Starkville, MS runs $40.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,573 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Starkville's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,150 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Starkville, MS, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $40.18. This rate is significantly lower than the national median of $48.21 per hour, reflecting regional economic factors. For technologists working part-time in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile facilities, this means earning approximately $963.12 a week for a typical schedule of three days a week, 24 hours total. The hourly range for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Starkville varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $28.51 per hour and experienced professionals earning upwards of $50.77 per hour. These figures are estimated from annual salary data, highlighting the pay scale within this specialized field of radiologic technology.
About the Starkville 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) | $28.51 | $228.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.78 | $286.27 |
| Median (P50) | $40.18 | $321.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.52 | $348.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.77 | $406.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Starkville
Based on $40.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.18/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Starkville, MS can expect to earn approximately $83,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,221. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Starkville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Starkville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,607.38 | $6,965 | $83,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $964.43 | $4,179 | $50,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $642.95 | $2,786 | $33,433 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Starkville) | $40.18 |
| 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 Starkville, MS earn a median of $83,573 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.80% below the Mississippi state average of $85,981.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.18/hr = $50,150/year (purchasing power: $58,518).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,584/year (purchasing power: $97,531).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Starkville grew 30.1% from $29.42/hr (2019) to $38.26/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.21/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 Starkville 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 Starkville
Considering the part-time potential for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist, those working just three days a week would take home roughly $50,071 annually, which significantly contrasts with full-time earnings. Many professionals in this role opt for per diem opportunities, with per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Starkville ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, especially for specialized cardiac MRI assignments, which can reach up to $110 per hour. Compensation varies widely among employers, including hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and mobile MRI providers. While some technologists might accept lower hourly wages for consistent benefits like health insurance, others may prefer the flexibility and higher rates offered in per diem or travel positions. For those negotiating hourly rates in Starkville, it's advisable to highlight specialization in high-demand areas such as cardiac MRI and mpMRI, potentially increasing earning capacity while navigating employment decisions.
More salary data for Starkville, MS:
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 Starkville. 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 Starkville 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