Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in St. Joseph, MO: $39.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in St. Joseph, MO runs $39.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,411 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against St. Joseph's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,853 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly rate of $39.14, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Joseph, Missouri, earn less than the national median of $48.21 per hour. This pay structure reflects the geographic and economic realities of the region, where the cost of living is relatively low at a cost index of 89.6. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week would yield an annual income of approximately $61,421, while per-diem opportunities allow even greater flexibility and potential earnings. Hourly rates for entry-level technologists generally start around $27.59, while top earners can reach up to $50.38 per hour. Many professionals find work in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, or specialized facilities, such as orthopedic or breast imaging centers, which can influence pay based on the demand and complexity of services offered.
About the St. Joseph 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) | $27.59 | $220.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.48 | $259.80 |
| Median (P50) | $39.14 | $313.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.68 | $341.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.38 | $403.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Joseph
Based on $39.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.14/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Joseph, MO can expect to earn approximately $81,421 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,974. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Joseph.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Joseph
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,565.79 | $6,785 | $81,421 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $939.47 | $4,071 | $48,853 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $626.31 | $2,714 | $32,568 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (St. Joseph) | $39.14 |
| 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 St. Joseph, MO earn a median of $81,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.82% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% above the Missouri state average of $81,167.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.14/hr = $48,853/year (purchasing power: $54,523).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,421/year (purchasing power: $90,872).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in St. Joseph (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Joseph grew 30.1% from $28.66/hr (2019) to $37.27/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.11/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 St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph
Exploring the earning potential within this profession reveals varying opportunities based on work type. A part-time MRI technologist, clocking in around 24 hours a week, would take home roughly $61,421 annually as compared to full-time counterparts. For those who opt to work per diem, rates could range widely, with averages between $55 and $85 per hour for general MRI work, and even higher rates for cardiac MRI positions, which can reach up to $110 per hour. This demand for specialized skills in cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI is leading to more lucrative contracts, particularly for travel MRI techs, who may earn between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly. While hospital jobs may offer more stability and benefits, many technologists are willing to accept a lower hourly pay for those perks. To excel in securing advantageous hourly pay, professionals in St. Joseph should be prepared to negotiate based on their certifications and specific expertise, especially in high-demand areas within the field.
More salary data for St. Joseph, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Joseph in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in St. Joseph?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Joseph paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in St. Joseph?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in St. Joseph?
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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 St. Joseph. 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 St. Joseph 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