Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Jefferson City, MO: $37.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Jefferson City, MO runs $37.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,335 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Jefferson City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,401 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Jefferson City, Missouri, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $37.18 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $48.21. This disparity presents unique implications for part-time and per-diem workers in a variety of settings, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For someone working a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate can be appealing, allowing for flexibility while still earning sufficient income in a field that often necessitates skilled professionals. Entry-level MRI technologists can expect to earn around $28.07 per hour, while top earners could see rates as high as $49.22, illustrating a significant range that can be influenced by factors such as experience and specific employment environments.
About the Jefferson City 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) | $28.07 | $224.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.18 | $257.45 |
| Median (P50) | $37.18 | $297.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.55 | $332.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.22 | $393.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jefferson City
Based on $37.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.18/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jefferson City, MO can expect to earn approximately $77,336 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,617. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jefferson City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jefferson City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,487.22 | $6,445 | $77,336 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $892.33 | $3,867 | $46,401 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.89 | $2,578 | $30,934 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Jefferson City) | $37.18 |
| 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 Jefferson City, MO earn a median of $77,335 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.88% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.70% below the Missouri state average of $81,149.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.18/hr = $46,401/year (purchasing power: $51,787).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,336/year (purchasing power: $86,312).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Jefferson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Jefferson City grew 30.1% from $27.22/hr (2019) to $35.40/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.05/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 Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City
Analyzing the earning potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists reveals some important insights into part-time and per-diem work. A technologist working a 24-hour week might take home an estimated income that stands in contrast to full-time peers, allowing for increased freedom but potentially lower overall earnings. Per-diem MRI techs, often charging between $55 and $85 per hour, offer a lucrative alternative where travel contracts could net as much as $3,400 weekly, particularly in specialized fields like cardiac MRI. Employers vary in pay scales; hospitals may offer more stability with benefits, but freestanding centers or mobile MRI companies often provide higher hourly rates without additional perks. MRI technologists in Jefferson City should consider these trade-offs carefully, especially when negotiating pay. Understanding the local market can help technicians make informed decisions, maximizing their pay structures while aligning work schedules with personal life.
More salary data for Jefferson City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Jefferson City in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Jefferson City?
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How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Jefferson City?
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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 Jefferson City. 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 Jefferson City 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