Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Winston-Salem, NC: $43.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Winston-Salem, NC runs $43.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,717 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Winston-Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,436 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly rate in Winston-Salem, NC, is projected to be $43.62, which is notably lower than the national average of $48.21 per hour. This disparity positions local technologists within an hourly range that spans from $28.87 for entry-level positions to $60.12 for the most experienced professionals. Such hourly pay is crucial for individuals seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, or research labs. With this hourly rate, a technologist working three days a week can expect an adaptable income, providing the flexibility that many in the healthcare field find appealing while supporting their hourly or contract commitments.
About the Winston-Salem 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) | $28.87 | $230.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.96 | $279.72 |
| Median (P50) | $43.62 | $348.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.32 | $394.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.12 | $480.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston-Salem
Based on $43.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.62/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston-Salem, NC can expect to earn approximately $90,727 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,343. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston-Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston-Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,744.76 | $7,561 | $90,727 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,046.86 | $4,536 | $54,436 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $697.90 | $3,024 | $36,291 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Winston-Salem) | $43.62 |
| 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 Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $90,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.54% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $87,564.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.62/hr = $54,436/year (purchasing power: $58,159).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,727/year (purchasing power: $96,931).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Winston-Salem grew 30.1% from $31.93/hr (2019) to $41.53/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.81/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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
When examining the potential earnings for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week, the financial landscape changes significantly compared to full-time roles. Those working part-time for 24 hours weekly would take home an annual income of approximately $54,297 based on the hourly median. In contrast, per-diem positions present enticing prospects, with pay rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI professionals earning even higher rates. Employers in Winston-Salem vary widely; hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile services all have different pay scales that influence the overall compensation package. Some technologists may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance or job security, while others prefer higher payments without the safety net. As negotiations unfold, aspiring technologists should emphasize their credentials, such as ARRT(R)(MR) or certification in cardiac MRI, and consider understanding the advantages offered by various employers to secure the best possible hourly arrangements.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Winston-Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Winston-Salem?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Winston-Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Winston-Salem?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Winston-Salem?
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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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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