Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Kannapolis, NC: $42.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Kannapolis, NC runs $42.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,331 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Kannapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,995 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kannapolis, North Carolina, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $42.46, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This rate reflects not only the competitive nature of healthcare in the region but also the specialization that MRI technicians offer in various settings including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and more. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate can provide substantial income, especially considering the varied environments they may work in, such as mobile MRI trailers and specialized clinics. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $30.41 per hour, while those with more experience may reach up to $55.31 per hour, showcasing the potential for growth within this essential healthcare role.
About the Kannapolis 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) | $30.41 | $243.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.55 | $284.42 |
| Median (P50) | $42.46 | $339.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.54 | $380.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.31 | $442.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kannapolis
Based on $42.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.46/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kannapolis, NC can expect to earn approximately $88,324 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,956. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kannapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kannapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,698.55 | $7,360 | $88,324 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,019.13 | $4,416 | $52,995 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $679.42 | $2,944 | $35,330 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Kannapolis) | $42.46 |
| 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 Kannapolis, NC earn a median of $88,331 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.92% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% above the North Carolina state average of $87,543.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.46/hr = $52,995/year (purchasing power: $56,618).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,324/year (purchasing power: $94,364).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kannapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kannapolis grew 30.1% from $31.08/hr (2019) to $40.43/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.60/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 Kannapolis 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 Kannapolis
Exploring the dynamics of part-time and per-diem roles provides further insight into the earning potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kannapolis. A professional working part-time at 24 hours per week could gross approximately $52,790 annually, a figure that indicates significant income for flexible work schedules. For those seeking per diem opportunities, compensation can be even higher; rates typically range from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialties such as cardiac MRI commanding rates up to $110 per hour. Additionally, technologists employed by hospitals may earn different hourly rates compared to those in mobile companies or outpatient facilities, often influenced by benefits like health insurance that some might sacrifice for higher hourly wages. Fortifying their negotiation skillset with market insights and local employer data can empower technologists to make informed career decisions in this evolving field.
More salary data for Kannapolis, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kannapolis in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kannapolis?
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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 Kannapolis. 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 Kannapolis 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