Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Carrboro, NC: $39.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Carrboro, NC runs $39.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,501 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Carrboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,495 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Carrboro, North Carolina, the projected hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at $39.66 in 2026. This figure is notably below the national hourly median of $48.21, reflecting regional differences in compensation. For part-time professionals working a typical schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $626 weekly, significantly shaping their earnings when compared to full-time roles. The hourly pay range for MRI technologists in Carrboro is wide, starting from about $28.91 for entry-level positions to around $48.68 for experienced technologists at the top of the pay scale. These estimates are grounded in annual salary data, demonstrating a clear differentiation in earnings potential based on experience and work setting—in hospitals, outpatient centers, or mobile imaging facilities.
About the Carrboro Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina 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) | $28.91 | $231.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.89 | $287.11 |
| Median (P50) | $39.66 | $317.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.27 | $338.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.68 | $389.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carrboro
Based on $39.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.66/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carrboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $82,491 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,591. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carrboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carrboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,586.37 | $6,874 | $82,491 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $951.82 | $4,125 | $49,495 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.55 | $2,750 | $32,997 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Carrboro) | $39.66 |
| 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 Carrboro, NC earn a median of $82,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.73% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $87,488.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.66/hr = $49,495/year (purchasing power: $52,879).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,491/year (purchasing power: $88,132).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carrboro grew 30.1% from $29.03/hr (2019) to $37.76/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.65/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 Carrboro 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 Carrboro
Analyzing the earning potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists working part-time in Carrboro reveals varied financial outcomes. Those clocking in 24 hours weekly can expect an annual take-home around $32,652, far less than a full-time colleague could earn. Moreover, per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Carrboro tends to range between $55 and $85 per hour, providing lucrative options for technologists seeking flexibility. Specialized fields like cardiac MRI offer even higher pay, with freelance rates hitting $75-$110 per hour. Hourly rates also vary among different employer types, from hospitals to freestanding imaging centers, with benefits playing a critical role in earnings decisions. Some technologists may opt for lower-paying positions with health insurance over lucrative freelance gigs. Those negotiating hourly pay in Carrboro should come prepared with salary data and an understanding of their market value, maximizing their chances of achieving compensation that reflects their skills and experience.
More salary data for Carrboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Carrboro?
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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 Carrboro. 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 Carrboro 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