Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $38.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in University City, MO runs $38.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University City, Missouri, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $38.47 in 2026, a figure notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This disparity offers insight into the economic landscape for part-time and per-diem workers in typical MRI settings. For those working three days a week, they can expect to earn around $28,018 in hourly wages, creating an option for flexible work while still providing essential imaging services in hospitals or specialized imaging centers. Those at the lower end of the hourly range ($28.18) may be entry-level techs, while the top earners (up to $48.27) are likely to take on more specialized roles, such as cardiac imaging or work in advanced research labs. Overall, the hourly rates reflect the demand for MRI expertise in this evolving field.
About the University 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) | $28.18 | $225.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.57 | $260.56 |
| Median (P50) | $38.47 | $307.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.30 | $338.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.27 | $386.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $38.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.47/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $80,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,167. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,538.90 | $6,669 | $80,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $923.34 | $4,001 | $48,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $615.56 | $2,667 | $32,009 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (University City) | $38.47 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $80,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.19% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $81,167.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.47/hr = $48,014/year (purchasing power: $53,587).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,023/year (purchasing power: $89,311).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in University City grew 30.1% from $28.16/hr (2019) to $36.63/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.41/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 University 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 University City
Evaluating the potential earnings for a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist reveals a stark contrast to full-time employment. Working 24 hours a week, one could potentially gross about $38,019 annually, compared to a full-time colleague who would earn a significantly higher sum. Per-diem positions in University City present even more lucrative opportunities; these technologists often bill between $55 and $85 an hour, with specialized cardiac MRI roles commanding rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Those willing to travel for contracts can secure weekly earnings ranging from $2,200 to $3,400. Employment type also matters—whether one operates in a hospital imaging department, outpatient center, or mobile MRI unit can impact these hourly rates. Some technologists accept lower pay for the benefits that full-time employment can provide, while others aim for higher hourly rates without those benefits. Newcomers in this field should consider practical negotiation strategies, such as conveying their unique qualifications or experience with advanced imaging technologies, to secure a better hourly rate in University City.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in University City in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in University 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 University 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 University 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