Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Raleigh, NC: $41.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Raleigh, NC runs $41.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,206 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Raleigh's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,326 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Raleigh, North Carolina, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $41.93, which falls below the national median of $48.21 per hour. This rate reflects the current market dynamics and may impact both part-time workers—who could average earnings of about $1,360 weekly working three days a week—and per-diem workers who occupy various roles in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and research facilities. For those entering the profession, hourly wages start at approximately $25.04, while the highest earners in the field can make around $49.35 per hour. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates a growing demand for MRI technologists, which enhances earning potential across different work settings, including established hospital MRI suites and emerging mobile imaging services.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.04 | $200.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.53 | $292.24 |
| Median (P50) | $41.93 | $335.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.12 | $368.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.35 | $394.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raleigh
Based on $41.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.93/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raleigh, NC can expect to earn approximately $87,210 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,314. With a cost-of-living index of 98.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raleigh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raleigh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,677.12 | $7,268 | $87,210 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,006.27 | $4,361 | $52,326 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $670.85 | $2,907 | $34,884 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Raleigh) | $41.93 |
| 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 Raleigh, NC earn a median of $87,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.04% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.40% below the North Carolina state average of $87,557.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.93/hr = $52,326/year (purchasing power: $53,309).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,210/year (purchasing power: $88,848).
CoL index: 98.157 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Raleigh grew 22.8% from $32.51/hr (2019) to $39.92/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.04/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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Examining part-time earning potential reveals that a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time for 24 hours a week could expect an annual take-home of around $43,619, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem professionals in Raleigh often find lucrative opportunities, billing between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized roles—such as cardiac MRI positions—offering rates as high as $110 per hour. MRI tech wages vary substantially depending on the employer type, from clearly defined hospital imaging departments to private outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed. Many technologists grapple with the choice between securing full-time benefits and opting for higher hourly rates but fewer perks. Those in the industry should consider negotiating based on local compensation trends, especially as the demand for specialties such as cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI continues to rise.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Raleigh. 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, 7-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