Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Gastonia, NC: $44.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Gastonia, NC runs $44.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,467 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Gastonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,075 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Gastonia, North Carolina, is projected to be $44.93, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This compensation translates well for both part-time professionals working three days a week and per-diem workers in settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level technologists earning around $32.80 per hour, while those at the top of their game can command up to $59.26 hourly. Such variability in pay reflects the tiered structure of the MRI field, with professionals benefiting from experience, certifications, and specialization, particularly in advanced imaging techniques.
About the Gastonia 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) | $32.80 | $262.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.13 | $305.01 |
| Median (P50) | $44.93 | $359.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.85 | $398.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.26 | $474.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gastonia
Based on $44.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.93/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gastonia, NC can expect to earn approximately $93,458 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,918. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gastonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gastonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,797.27 | $7,788 | $93,458 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,078.36 | $4,673 | $56,075 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $718.91 | $3,115 | $37,383 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Gastonia) | $44.93 |
| 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 Gastonia, NC earn a median of $93,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.80% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.80% above the North Carolina state average of $87,516.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.93/hr = $56,075/year (purchasing power: $59,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,458/year (purchasing power: $99,849).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Gastonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Gastonia grew 30.1% from $32.89/hr (2019) to $42.78/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.19/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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia
For those considering part-time work in Gastonia, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working only 24 hours a week takes home about $55,700 annually, which is less than what full-timers make but still competitive considering the flexible hours. The per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in this region can be lucrative, with rates often billed between $55 and $85 per hour, and specialized roles, like cardiac MRI, can see rates as high as $110. Hourly wages are influenced by employer types; for instance, hospital departments may offer steady hours with benefits, whereas mobile MRI companies or outpatient centers tend to provide more variable pay but without additional health insurance. Negotiating for better rates takes strategy; it is wise for technologists to assess the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits when accepting positions. Understanding industry standards and having clear expectations is crucial in a market like Gastonia, where the demand for MRI expertise continues to grow.
More salary data for Gastonia, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Gastonia in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Gastonia?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Gastonia paid hourly or salary?
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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 Gastonia. 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 Gastonia 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