Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Wilmington, NC: $42.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Wilmington, NC runs $42.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,858 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,719 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, North Carolina, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $42.24, significantly lower than the national median of $48.21. This rate can provide a stable income for both full-time and part-time workers in various settings, such as hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers. For professionals who prefer flexibility, working three days a week can result in a reliable weekly paycheck while still allowing for sufficient personal time. The hourly pay range in Wilmington spans from $38.56 for entry-level positions to $50.59 for the most experienced technologists, reflecting the diversity of skill levels and expertise within the profession. This data, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlights the potential earnings landscape for MRI techs in the region.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.56 | $308.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.96 | $327.69 |
| Median (P50) | $42.24 | $337.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.59 | $404.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.59 | $404.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $42.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.24/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, NC can expect to earn approximately $87,866 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,692. With a cost-of-living index of 96.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,689.72 | $7,322 | $87,866 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,013.83 | $4,393 | $52,719 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $675.89 | $2,929 | $35,146 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Wilmington) | $42.24 |
| 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 Wilmington, NC earn a median of $87,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.39% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.40% above the North Carolina state average of $87,508.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.24/hr = $52,719/year (purchasing power: $54,676).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,866/year (purchasing power: $91,126).
CoL index: 96.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wilmington grew 30.1% from $30.92/hr (2019) to $40.22/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.37/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Shifting focus to part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist operating on a schedule of three days a week could take home approximately $52,700 annually, a contrast to the more lucrative full-time salary potential. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Wilmington shows a different picture altogether, as these professionals can command rates between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI technicians earning even higher rates ranging from $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts further amplify the earning potential, often providing paychecks of $2,200 to $3,400 weekly. Different employers, including outpatient MRI centers and mobile imaging companies, influence hourly rates, creating variability in compensation. While higher hourly rates can be appealing, some technologists may choose positions with lower pay but offer health insurance and benefits, allowing for a more comprehensive compensation package. For those seeking work in Wilmington, negotiating effectively—by showcasing experience, certification such as ARRT(MR), and specialization in areas like cardiac MRI—can be crucial for achieving fair compensation in this competitive market.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Wilmington?
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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 Wilmington. 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, 3-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