Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Buffalo, NY: $45.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Buffalo, NY runs $45.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,674 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Buffalo's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,809 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected hourly median pay of $45.52 for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Buffalo, New York, professionals in this field earn slightly less than the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate positions MRI technologists well for both full-time and part-time work, especially for those seeking flexible scheduling in hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers. Given the hourly range of $33.20 to $53.80, those starting in entry-level positions can gradually increase their compensation as they gain experience and proficiency in advanced technologies such as 3T and cardiac MRI. Such hours can be particularly appealing for per-diem workers who often have the flexibility to set their schedules according to personal preference or demand across various facilities.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.20 | $265.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.21 | $321.64 |
| Median (P50) | $45.52 | $364.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.38 | $403.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.80 | $430.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo
Based on $45.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.52/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo, NY can expect to earn approximately $94,682 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,624. With a cost-of-living index of 95.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,820.80 | $7,890 | $94,682 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,092.48 | $4,734 | $56,809 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $728.32 | $3,156 | $37,873 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Buffalo) | $45.52 |
| 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 Buffalo, NY earn a median of $94,674 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.59% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 10.30% below the New York state average of $105,545.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.52/hr = $56,809/year (purchasing power: $59,272).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,682/year (purchasing power: $98,787).
CoL index: 95.844 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Buffalo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Buffalo grew 31.1% from $33.06/hr (2019) to $43.34/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.81/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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working three days a week may expect to take home a solid income that is still competitive, although it will depend significantly on their working hours. An average 24-hour week could yield an annual income considerably lower than full-time counterparts, yet it still allows for valuable work-life balance. As per-diem rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Buffalo can range from $55 to $85 per hour, specialized roles such as cardiac MRI can command even higher rates, often between $75 and $110 hourly. Salary variations arise through the type of employer—hospitals, outpatient centers, or mobile units—and come with trade-offs, as some technologists opt for lower rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiation is crucial, especially for part-time or per-diem roles; offering skills in sought-after specialties can enhance compensation discussions significantly, making consideration of certifications like MRSO advantageous for aspiring technologists in this market.
More salary data for Buffalo, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Buffalo. 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