Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Cornelius, NC: $41.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Cornelius, NC runs $41.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Cornelius's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,828 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cornelius, North Carolina, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $41.53 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This rate has implications for part-time workers, particularly those who may operate in various environments such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile MRI units. For example, a technologist working three days a week could earn about $1,327 on average per week, making this role appealing for those seeking flexibility. The hourly range varies significantly from $32.52 for entry-level positions to $52.30 for experienced technologists, illustrating the potential for career advancement in this niche field.
About the Cornelius 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) | $32.52 | $260.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.80 | $294.42 |
| Median (P50) | $41.53 | $332.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.78 | $358.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.30 | $418.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cornelius
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 Cornelius, 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 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cornelius.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cornelius
| 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 (Cornelius) | $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 Cornelius, NC earn a median of $86,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.87% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $87,514.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.53/hr = $51,828/year (purchasing power: $55,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,380/year (purchasing power: $92,286).
CoL index: 93.6 (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 Cornelius (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 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.75/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 Cornelius 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 Cornelius 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 Cornelius
Exploring the earning potential for part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists reveals significant differences compared to full-time roles. A technologist working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate could take home approximately $69,147 annually. However, per diem and travel MRI technologists might find themselves earning between $55 and $85 an hour, with cardiac MRI specialists commanding even higher rates based on demand. In Cornelius, varying employer types such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI companies significantly influence hourly pay. While some may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, many technologists prefer stability, including health insurance, even if it means accepting a lower wage. Practical salary negotiation can leverage local market conditions; understanding the demand in specialties such as cardiac and prostate mpMRI can empower technologists to secure better offers tailored to their expertise.
More salary data for Cornelius, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cornelius in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Cornelius?
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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 Cornelius. 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 Cornelius 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