Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Kearney, NE: $42.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Kearney, NE runs $42.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Kearney's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,021 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at $42.48. This figure is notably lower when compared to the national median of $48.21 per hour. For part-time workers, typical settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units prove financially beneficial; working three days a week can provide a steady income while allowing for flexible schedules. The estimated hourly range stretches from $32.82 for entry-level positions to $55.60 for top earners, revealing a pathway for growth within this specialty. These figures, derived from projected annual salary data, reflect the competitive landscape for MRI technologists in Kearney.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.82 | $262.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.33 | $298.62 |
| Median (P50) | $42.48 | $339.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.10 | $376.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.60 | $444.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearney
Based on $42.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.48/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearney, NE can expect to earn approximately $88,368 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,982. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kearney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,699.39 | $7,364 | $88,368 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,019.63 | $4,418 | $53,021 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $679.75 | $2,946 | $35,347 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Kearney) | $42.48 |
| 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 Kearney, NE earn a median of $88,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $91,757.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.48/hr = $53,021/year (purchasing power: $57,946).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,368/year (purchasing power: $96,577).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kearney grew 30.1% from $31.10/hr (2019) to $40.45/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.62/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 Kearney 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 Kearney
Exploring part-time earning potential, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours weekly could expect to take home around $52,794 annually, a stark contrast to full-time salaries. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Kearney is particularly lucrative, with rates typically ranging between $55 and $85 per hour, much higher than the standard hourly rate. Hospitals might offer differing compensation compared to outpatient imaging centers or orthopedic practices, emphasizing how employer types influence pay structures. For those in travel MRI tech positions, contracts can yield $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, depending on location and specialization. Many in the field choose between higher hourly rates without benefits or more stable pay alongside health insurance, balancing personal and financial priorities. Negotiation can be beneficial; understanding local market rates and showcasing specialized skills, particularly in growing areas like cardiac imaging or mpMRI, can help secure better hourly compensation in Kearney.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kearney in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kearney?
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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 Kearney. 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 Kearney 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