Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in New Bern, NC: $41.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in New Bern, NC runs $41.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,840 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against New Bern's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,500 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bern, North Carolina, the hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists averages around $41.27, which is slightly lower than the national median of $48.21. This discrepancy can impact part-time workers who typically work three days a week. For those in traditional MRI settings—such as hospital MRI suites (both 1.5T and 3T), outpatient imaging centers, mobile trailers, orthopedic on-site rooms, and breast imaging centers—the hourly rates can determine overall financial well-being. The pay scale ranges from $29.90 for entry-level positions to $52.94 for top earners, allowing for different income possibilities based on experience and the particular work environment.
About the New Bern 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) | $29.90 | $239.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.66 | $277.28 |
| Median (P50) | $41.27 | $330.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.09 | $360.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.94 | $423.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bern
Based on $41.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.27/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bern, NC can expect to earn approximately $85,834 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,520. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Bern.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bern
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,650.65 | $7,153 | $85,834 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $990.39 | $4,292 | $51,500 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.26 | $2,861 | $34,334 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (New Bern) | $41.27 |
| 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 New Bern, NC earn a median of $85,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.40% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $87,503.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.27/hr = $51,500/year (purchasing power: $55,022).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,834/year (purchasing power: $91,703).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in New Bern (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in New Bern grew 30.1% from $30.21/hr (2019) to $39.29/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.34/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 New Bern 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 New Bern
When considering part-time roles, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $51,814 annually, in contrast to a full-time tech who would make over $85,840. Additionally, per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in New Bern command rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, especially in specialized fields like cardiac MRI, where pay can reach $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts might offer even more lucrative options, with weekly pay between $2,200 and $3,400. Various employers in the area—ranging from hospital imaging departments to private outpatient centers and mobile MRI firms—tend to influence overall pay. Consideration of benefits is another factor; many technologists opt for lower hourly rates that include health insurance, while those in per diem positions can negotiate for higher pay at the cost of such benefits, highlighting a trade-off that requires careful thought. For negotiable positions, emphasizing particular certifications, such as from ASRT or ARRT(MR), can enhance earning potential.
More salary data for New Bern, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in New Bern in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in New Bern?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in New Bern paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in New Bern?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in New Bern?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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