Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Kernersville, NC: $41.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Kernersville, NC runs $41.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,730 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Kernersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,038 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kernersville, North Carolina, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $41.70 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This difference implies that those working part-time in hospital MRI suites or outpatient imaging centers might find themselves taking home less than their counterparts in other regions, impacting their overall earnings and lifestyle choices. For technologists operating on a per-diem basis, the hourly rates can greatly vary, with estimates ranging from $30.93 to $54.33. New entrants to the field may anticipate starting in the lower range, but experienced professionals can earn close to the higher end depending on their expertise and job setting, including mobile MRI operations and specialized imaging labs.
About the Kernersville 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) | $30.93 | $247.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.55 | $284.42 |
| Median (P50) | $41.70 | $333.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.07 | $368.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.33 | $434.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kernersville
Based on $41.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.70/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kernersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $86,730 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,036. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kernersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kernersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,667.88 | $7,227 | $86,730 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,000.73 | $4,336 | $52,038 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.15 | $2,891 | $34,692 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Kernersville) | $41.70 |
| 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 Kernersville, NC earn a median of $86,730 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.51% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $87,517.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.70/hr = $52,038/year (purchasing power: $55,596).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,730/year (purchasing power: $92,660).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kernersville grew 30.1% from $30.52/hr (2019) to $39.70/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.79/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 Kernersville 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 Kernersville
Examining the earning potential for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week for 24 hours, the annual take-home pay contrasts sharply with that of full-time colleagues. Those pursuing per diem positions can often command higher rates, sometimes billed between $55 to $85 per hour, particularly in cardiac MRI roles where compensation can reach up to $110 per hour. Additionally, travel MRI tech contracts offer lucrative weekly earnings between $2,200 and $3,400, making them attractive options for those willing to explore flexibility. Compensation can also differ by employer type with various institutions like orthopedic surgery centers, neuroscience institutes, and MRI agencies offering unique pay structures. Some technologists may accept lower hourly pay for benefits such as health insurance, balancing hourly rate against job security and amenities. Negotiating rates, understanding market demands, and connecting with local agencies can help professionals maximize their hourly pay in Kernersville's image-focused healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kernersville in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kernersville?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kernersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Kernersville?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kernersville?
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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 Kernersville. 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 Kernersville 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