Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Hickory, NC: $43.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Hickory, NC runs $43.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,462 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Hickory's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.5, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,279 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hickory, North Carolina, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $43.49, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This rate offers a solid foundation for individuals considering part-time roles, especially for those working three days a week in hospital MRI suites or outpatient imaging centers. Part-time positions typically involve logistics that fit the demands of various clinical environments, which can include mobile MRI trailers and orthopedic surgery settings. The hourly pay range runs from approximately $31.90 for entry-level positions to about $53.84 for experienced technologists, as per the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Such figures underscore the competitive nature of this profession in Hickory, particularly given the more specialized roles emerging within the field.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.90 | $255.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.80 | $318.37 |
| Median (P50) | $43.49 | $347.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.20 | $377.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.84 | $430.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hickory
Based on $43.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.49/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hickory, NC can expect to earn approximately $90,465 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,192. With a cost-of-living index of 88.49 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hickory.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hickory
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,739.72 | $7,539 | $90,465 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,043.83 | $4,523 | $54,279 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $695.89 | $3,016 | $36,186 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Hickory) | $43.49 |
| 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 Hickory, NC earn a median of $90,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.79% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.30% above the North Carolina state average of $87,572.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.49/hr = $54,279/year (purchasing power: $61,342).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,465/year (purchasing power: $102,237).
CoL index: 88.486 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hickory (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hickory grew 30.1% from $31.84/hr (2019) to $41.41/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.68/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 Hickory 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 Hickory
When considering part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Hickory averaging 24 hours a week can expect to earn about $54,167 annually, a substantial income for flexible working schedules. For those seeking greater financial rewards, per diem opportunities are lucrative, with rates often ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, while specialized cardiac MRI roles can pay even higher, at $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts offer MRI technologists substantial earnings, with weekly compensation typically between $2,200 and $3,400. The differences in pay across employer types add complexity to the earning landscape; technologists in outpatient centers may earn less than those in hospital imaging departments but could benefit from more predictable schedules. Potential workers should consider their priorities, balancing hourly pay against benefits like health insurance, especially since some employers may offer lower pay but more comprehensive health plans. Negotiating pay effectively is essential; understanding local market trends and being prepared to cite specific skills or certifications can strengthen a technologist's position in discussions about hourly rates.
More salary data for Hickory, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hickory in 2026?
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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 Hickory. 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, 6-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