Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Asheville, NC: $41.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Asheville, NC runs $41.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,387 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Asheville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.5, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,828 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Asheville, North Carolina, the hourly compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists stands at a median of $41.53, significantly below the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This discrepancy means that those working part-time, such as three days a week, would earn around $41,000 annually, which makes for a challenging financial scenario in a city with rising living costs. For per-diem technologists, the scope of hourly pay can vary widely depending on the setting, whether they're in hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, or onsite at medical offices. Entry-level MRI technologists in Asheville may earn as little as $23.79 per hour, while top earners in this field can make up to $52.41 hourly, showcasing a broad range of compensation opportunities based on experience and workplace.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.79 | $190.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.15 | $329.21 |
| Median (P50) | $41.53 | $332.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.62 | $356.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.41 | $419.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Asheville
Based on $41.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.53/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Asheville, NC can expect to earn approximately $86,380 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,835. With a cost-of-living index of 96.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Asheville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Asheville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,661.15 | $7,198 | $86,380 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.69 | $4,319 | $51,828 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.46 | $2,879 | $34,552 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Asheville) | $41.53 |
| 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 Asheville, NC earn a median of $86,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.86% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $87,525.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.53/hr = $51,828/year (purchasing power: $53,704).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,380/year (purchasing power: $89,507).
CoL index: 96.506 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Asheville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Asheville grew 30.1% from $30.40/hr (2019) to $39.54/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.62/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 Asheville 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 Asheville
For those considering part-time roles, the financial outlook can be quite different compared to full-time positions. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working a typical three-day work week can find earning potential limited unless they opt for per-diem roles, which often pay significantly more. Rates for per-diem positions commonly range from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI roles fetching between $75 to $110 per hour. Additionally, travel MRI contracts can yield anywhere from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, depending on the facility's needs and location. The variation in hourly rates across types of employers is considerable; for instance, mobile imaging firms and nursing facilities may offer different pay structures compared to established hospitals. It’s crucial for technologists to weigh the benefits of health insurance and consistent scheduling against potentially higher hourly wages without such benefits. Negotiating salary in Asheville requires an understanding of local pay standards and the specific demands of different healthcare settings, which can significantly influence what might be considered fair compensation within the magnetic resonance imaging technologist field in NC.
More salary data for Asheville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Asheville in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Asheville?
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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 Asheville. 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, 5-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