Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $41.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Wake Forest, NC runs $41.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Wake Forest'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 Wake Forest, North Carolina, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $41.49 in 2026, which is below the national median of $48.21. For those working part-time, such as in outpatient imaging centers or hospitals, the hourly rate can translate into significant take-home pay, especially when considering a typical three-day work week, equating to about $31,100 annually at that hourly rate. The hourly pay range in this field varies significantly; entry-level positions start around $31.48 per hour, while top earners—such as those with extensive experience or in specialized areas like cardiac MRI—can earn up to $56.24 hourly. Such differences reflect the demand for skilled technologists in both hospital settings and specialized facilities throughout the area.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $31.48 | $251.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.15 | $281.23 |
| Median (P50) | $41.49 | $331.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.85 | $374.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.24 | $449.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
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 Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| 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 (Wake Forest) | $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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $86,300 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 $87,525.
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 Wake Forest (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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Looking at the earning potential, part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists, working around 24 hours weekly, receive a different financial perspective compared to their full-time peers. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wake Forest might command between $55 to $85 per hour, potentially leading to a greater annual income depending on the number of shifts accepted. Moreover, those working under agency contracts can earn substantial weekly payouts, with travel contracts reaching $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, especially for roles focusing on cardiac imaging. The employer type also impacts hourly wages; imaging departments in hospitals often pay lower than private outpatient settings, while mobile MRI companies might offer competitive rates without benefits. For technologists negotiating their pay, especially in a market where benefits may vary, it's crucial to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly compensation and the security provided by employer-sponsored health insurance.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Wake Forest?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wake Forest paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Wake Forest?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Wake Forest?
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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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