Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Chesterfield, MO: $38.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Chesterfield, MO runs $38.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,453 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Chesterfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,276 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Chesterfield, Missouri, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $38.68 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This discrepancy means that local professionals may find part-time or per-diem opportunities, such as working three days a week in hospital MRI suites or outpatient imaging centers, can provide a comfortable living, albeit less than their national counterparts. For those entering the field, starting hourly wages can be around $28.70, while top earners in Chesterfield can command as much as $48.95. Such rates reflect the hourly assignments derived from annual salary data, signifying a competitive but distinctly localized market for MRI technologists.
About the Chesterfield Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.70 | $229.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.99 | $263.92 |
| Median (P50) | $38.68 | $309.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.81 | $342.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.95 | $391.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesterfield
Based on $38.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.68/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesterfield, MO can expect to earn approximately $80,460 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,419. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chesterfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesterfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,547.30 | $6,705 | $80,460 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $928.38 | $4,023 | $48,276 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $618.92 | $2,682 | $32,184 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chesterfield) | $38.68 |
| 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 Chesterfield, MO earn a median of $80,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.77% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $81,184.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.68/hr = $48,276/year (purchasing power: $53,879).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,460/year (purchasing power: $89,799).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chesterfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chesterfield grew 30.1% from $28.32/hr (2019) to $36.83/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.63/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 Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield
When evaluating the potential earnings for a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay would translate into $48,000, a figure significantly less than full-time workers might earn. For per-diem roles, the financial possibilities often widen, with typical billable hours ranging from $55 to $85, and specialized cardiac MRI positions even reaching $75 to $110 per hour. Variability in pay arises among Chesterfield employers, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI providers. Some technologists may accept lower hourly rates for the stability of health benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay without insurance. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s beneficial for technologists to research local rates and demonstrate knowledge of specific skills, particularly in sought-after imaging specialties like cardiac MRI, to secure a favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Chesterfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chesterfield in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Chesterfield?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chesterfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Chesterfield?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Chesterfield?
Related Pages
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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 Chesterfield. 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 Chesterfield 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