Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Sanford, NC: $41.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Sanford, NC runs $41.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,302 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sanford, NC, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to reach $41.49 by 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $48.21. This differential means that those working part-time—say, three days a week—could expect to earn approximately $60,198 annually, whilst per-diem roles in various settings, such as hospitals and outpatient imaging centers, may present opportunities for higher compensation. With an hourly range extending from $30.26 for entry-level positions to $53.66 for experienced professionals, there is a significant opportunity for those in specialized areas, including cardiac imaging, to capture more lucrative pay rates. The figures provided are based on annual salary data estimates, emphasizing the importance of such insights when considering the appeal of this rewarding career.
About the Sanford 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) | $30.26 | $242.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.12 | $280.98 |
| Median (P50) | $41.49 | $331.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.59 | $364.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.66 | $429.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $41.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.49/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, NC can expect to earn approximately $86,293 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,784. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,659.47 | $7,191 | $86,293 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $995.68 | $4,315 | $51,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $663.79 | $2,876 | $34,517 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Sanford) | $41.49 |
| 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 Sanford, NC earn a median of $86,302 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.94% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $87,527.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.49/hr = $51,776/year (purchasing power: $55,316).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,293/year (purchasing power: $92,193).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sanford grew 30.1% from $30.37/hr (2019) to $39.50/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.57/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
Earning potential is especially noteworthy for per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sanford. These professionals can typically bill between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists potentially earning as much as $75 to $110 hourly. Travel MRI techs often see contracts that yield between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly—a compelling reason to consider locum tenens work. Furthermore, hourly rates may vary across employer types, with hospitals often offering basic benefits and outpatient facilities providing higher rates without health insurance. This creates a trade-off where some technologists may accept lower pay for the stability of health insurance, while others prioritize maximizing their pay per hour. For those negotiating their hourly rate in Sanford, understanding local market demands and demonstrating qualifications, especially in growing subspecialties like cardiac MRI, can be advantageous in securing a better deal.
More salary data for Sanford, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sanford in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Sanford?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sanford paid hourly or salary?
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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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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