Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Kirkwood, MO: $38.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Kirkwood, MO runs $38.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,510 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Kirkwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,302 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kirkwood, Missouri, can expect an hourly median pay of $38.70. This hourly figure falls significantly below the national median of $48.21, underscoring a regional disparity in compensation. For technologists working part-time—typically three days a week in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or even mobile MRI trailers—this rate translates into an annual income that may not fully reflect their specialized skills. Entry-level positions start at around $28.78 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $50.51 per hour. The lower hourly rates common in Kirkwood, compared to national standards, can make it challenging for professionals to achieve their financial goals unless they seek additional hours or alternative employment in higher-paying venues.
About the Kirkwood 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) | $28.78 | $230.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.05 | $264.42 |
| Median (P50) | $38.70 | $309.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.81 | $342.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.51 | $404.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkwood
Based on $38.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.70/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $80,503 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,444. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kirkwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,548.14 | $6,709 | $80,503 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $928.89 | $4,025 | $48,302 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.26 | $2,683 | $32,201 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Kirkwood) | $38.70 |
| 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 Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $80,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.72% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $81,159.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.70/hr = $48,302/year (purchasing power: $53,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,503/year (purchasing power: $89,848).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kirkwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kirkwood grew 30.1% from $28.33/hr (2019) to $36.85/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.65/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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood
Beyond the hourly figures, the earning potential for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Kirkwood can vary widely, especially for those choosing part-time or per-diem work. A 24-hour workweek would yield an annual income around $48,000, substantially less than a full-time commitment. However, per-diem roles present attractive alternatives, with MRI techs often billing between $55 and $85 per hour. Cardiac MRI specialists may command even higher rates, between $75 and $110 per hour, while travel contracts can bring in $2,200 to $3,400 weekly. Different employers—including hospitals, outpatient centers, and orthopedic practices—offer varied compensation, balanced against benefits such as health insurance. In negotiating hourly pay in Kirkwood, it's crucial to assess the total value of compensation packages offered, weighing higher pay against the stability and perks that come with full-time roles.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kirkwood in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kirkwood?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kirkwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Kirkwood?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kirkwood?
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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 Kirkwood. 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 Kirkwood 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