Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in St. Louis, MO: $42.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in St. Louis, MO runs $42.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,521 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against St. Louis's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.1, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,510 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in St. Louis, Missouri, is projected to be $42.08, which is lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This salary reflects the diverse employment opportunities in the region, allowing for various work arrangements, including part-time and per-diem positions traditionally found in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. For those working three days a week, the flexibility can be appealing, with compensation ranging from $33.41 for entry-level positions to $50.06 for the most experienced technologists. This official BLS data provides insight into the earnings landscape for MRI techs in St. Louis, where specific settings may yield differing rates due to factors like equipment type and demand.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.41 | $267.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.88 | $311.06 |
| Median (P50) | $42.08 | $336.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.61 | $380.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.06 | $400.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Louis
Based on $42.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.08/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Louis, MO can expect to earn approximately $87,516 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,490. With a cost-of-living index of 95.09 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Louis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Louis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,683.00 | $7,293 | $87,516 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,009.80 | $4,376 | $52,510 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $673.20 | $2,917 | $35,006 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (St. Louis) | $42.08 |
| 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. Louis, MO earn a median of $87,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 7.80% above the Missouri state average of $81,189.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.08/hr = $52,510/year (purchasing power: $55,222).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,516/year (purchasing power: $92,037).
CoL index: 95.088 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in St. Louis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Louis grew 29.6% from $30.90/hr (2019) to $40.06/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.19/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. Louis 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. Louis
The earning potential for part-time MRI technologists can be significant, especially for those who work 24 hours per week. Annually, this could translate to a take-home income that differs greatly from peers working full-time. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in St. Louis can often range from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized roles, such as cardiac MRI, pulling in even higher rates that can reach $75 to $110 per hour. Additionally, travel MRI tech contracts are lucrative, sometimes ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly. Employers like large hospital imaging departments may offer stability and benefits, while freestanding centers and mobile companies might provide higher hourly wages but lack comprehensive health packages. As MRI techs evaluate job offers, negotiating based on these variables becomes essential, balancing the attractive pay against the benefits of full-time employment.
More salary data for St. Louis, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Louis in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in St. Louis?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in St. Louis paid hourly or salary?
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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. Louis. 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