Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Salisbury, NC: $41.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Salisbury, NC runs $41.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Salisbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,605 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Salisbury, North Carolina, the hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists stands at a median of $41.35. This amount is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21, highlighting a regional pay difference. For those working part-time, potentially three days a week, this translates to about $992 weekly or around $51,584 annually, emphasizing how critical hourly rates are for budget planning. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in this area can expect to earn even more, typically ranging between $30.06 at entry-level positions up to $51.64 for top earners, all while gaining experience in a variety of settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers.
About the Salisbury 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) | $30.06 | $240.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.84 | $278.71 |
| Median (P50) | $41.35 | $330.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.42 | $355.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.64 | $413.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salisbury
Based on $41.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.35/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salisbury, NC can expect to earn approximately $86,009 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,620. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salisbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salisbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,654.01 | $7,167 | $86,009 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $992.41 | $4,300 | $51,605 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.60 | $2,867 | $34,403 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Salisbury) | $41.35 |
| 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 Salisbury, NC earn a median of $86,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.23% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $87,504.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.35/hr = $51,605/year (purchasing power: $55,134).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,009/year (purchasing power: $91,890).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Salisbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Salisbury grew 30.1% from $30.27/hr (2019) to $39.37/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.43/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 Salisbury 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 Salisbury
Considering the earning potential, part-time technologists must weigh their options carefully; full-time employment offers a more stable income stream, while per diem roles can yield greater hourly rates, often between $55 and $85. However, when evaluating per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Salisbury, it's crucial to factor in the benefits that come with more permanent positions, such as health insurance. In the Salisbury area, hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI companies might offer varying hourly rates. For example, cardiac MRI technologists may command even higher rates in specific settings, reflecting specialized demand. Negotiating pay is essential, and understanding the local job landscape can aid technologists in pursuing better hourly compensation while balancing job security and benefits.
More salary data for Salisbury, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Salisbury in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Salisbury?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Salisbury paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Salisbury?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Salisbury?
Related Pages
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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 Salisbury. 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 Salisbury 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