Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Kansas City, MO: $42.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Kansas City, MO runs $42.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,267 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,968 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kansas City, MO, can expect an hourly median pay of $42.44, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This median rate creates a diverse landscape for employment opportunities, especially for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions in various facilities, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and specialized orthopedic or breast imaging centers. Workers in Kansas City may find themselves earning between $37.18 and $51.56 hourly, depending on their experience and the type of facility in which they are employed. The information presented here is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data and reflects the evolving demand for skilled MRI technologists in the region.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.18 | $297.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.99 | $327.95 |
| Median (P50) | $42.44 | $339.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.24 | $393.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.56 | $412.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $42.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.44/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, MO can expect to earn approximately $88,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,931. With a cost-of-living index of 92.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,697.70 | $7,357 | $88,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,018.62 | $4,414 | $52,968 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $679.08 | $2,943 | $35,312 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Kansas City) | $42.44 |
| 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 Kansas City, MO earn a median of $88,267 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.98% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 8.70% above the Missouri state average of $81,203.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.44/hr = $52,968/year (purchasing power: $57,237).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,281/year (purchasing power: $95,394).
CoL index: 92.543 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kansas City grew 18.8% from $34.02/hr (2019) to $40.41/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.58/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 Kansas 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 Kansas City
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can expect to bring home approximately $52,257 annually, a figure significantly less than what full-time staff might earn. For those considering per-diem positions, the potential hourly earnings can be more lucrative, as rates typically range from $55 to $85, with opportunities in cardiac MRI reaching $75 to $110. Travel contracts for MRI techs also present substantial earning potential, often offering between $2,200 and $3,400 per week, particularly for cardiac specialties. Hourly pay is influenced by the type of employer; hospital imaging departments, freestanding centers, and mobile companies often have different pay scales. While some may choose lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. For negotiable rates, Kansas City MRI professionals should be prepared to discuss their credentials and consider various work arrangements that fit their financial goals.
More salary data for Kansas City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kansas City in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kansas City?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kansas City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Kansas 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 Kansas 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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