Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Rochester, NY: $40.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Rochester, NY runs $40.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,263 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.0, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,160 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, NY, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $40.99, which falls below the national median of $48.21 for this profession. This hourly wage allows for substantial earning potential, whether working part-time in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile MRI trailers. For part-time technologists, such as those working three days a week, the revenue can be quite satisfactory, particularly given the entry-level hourly pay of $37.34 and the upper echelon of $49.65 for advanced positions. This landscape reflects official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, highlighting the importance of geographic and institutional context in determining earnings.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.34 | $298.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.45 | $323.58 |
| Median (P50) | $40.99 | $327.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.03 | $392.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.65 | $397.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $40.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.99/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NY can expect to earn approximately $85,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,192. With a cost-of-living index of 97.03 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,639.73 | $7,105 | $85,266 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $983.84 | $4,263 | $51,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $655.89 | $2,842 | $34,106 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Rochester) | $40.99 |
| 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 Rochester, NY earn a median of $85,263 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 19.20% below the New York state average of $105,524.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.99/hr = $51,160/year (purchasing power: $52,723).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,266/year (purchasing power: $87,871).
CoL index: 97.035 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Rochester grew 17.3% from $33.26/hr (2019) to $39.03/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.06/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Considering the potential income of a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week, those who choose part-time employment may find their annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. On the other hand, per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Rochester frequently bill at rates ranging from $55 to $85 hourly, with specialized cardiac MRI technologists commanding up to $110 hourly for short-term contracts. Employers such as hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and orthopedic practices each influence pay structures differently. While some technologists may accept lower hourly rates for positions that offer health benefits, others may prioritize higher pay when opting for contract or per-diem work arrangements. When negotiating pay, it's crucial to consider this balance between higher hourly wages and the security of employer-provided benefits, ensuring it's tailored to one’s professional goals in the vibrant field of MRI technology.
More salary data for Rochester, 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 Rochester. 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