Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Winston, NC: $43.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Winston, NC runs $43.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,240 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Winston's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,751 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Winston, North Carolina, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at $43.87, which is notably below the national median of $48.21. This wage reflects the market for MRI technologists operating in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and mobile units. For part-time workers, such as those committing to three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a take-home of approximately $43,856 annually, revealing the financial viability of taking a part-time position while honing one’s skills in the field. Within the local job market, the hourly earnings range from $38.92 for entry-level positions to $53.01 for the most experienced technologists, providing aspiring professionals a clearer understanding of their earnings potential as they navigate the demands of advanced imaging technology.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.92 | $311.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.12 | $320.97 |
| Median (P50) | $43.87 | $350.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.50 | $396.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.01 | $424.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston
Based on $43.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.87/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston, NC can expect to earn approximately $91,252 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,645. With a cost-of-living index of 92.04 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,754.84 | $7,604 | $91,252 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,052.90 | $4,563 | $54,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $701.94 | $3,042 | $36,501 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Winston) | $43.87 |
| 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, NC earn a median of $91,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.02% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.20% above the North Carolina state average of $87,562.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.87/hr = $54,751/year (purchasing power: $59,484).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,252/year (purchasing power: $99,140).
CoL index: 92.043 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Winston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Winston grew 18.4% from $35.29/hr (2019) to $41.77/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.08/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 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
An analysis of the earning potential in Winston indicates that a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week can realistically supplement their income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Per-diem workers, a growing avenue for many technologists, typically command higher rates, often billing between $55 and $85 per hour. In particular, cardiac MRI specialists may see rates soar to $75-$110 per hour, suggesting a lucrative shift for those specializing in high-demand modalities. Additionally, travel MRI tech positions offer substantial earnings, with contracts reaching $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, appealing to those who prioritize income over stability. The decision to accept lower hourly wages for full-time roles with benefits versus higher pay without health insurance illustrates the trade-offs involved. MRI technologists in Winston might consider negotiating based on their expertise, as those with specialized certifications like MRSO or experience in cardiac MRI can leverage their qualifications for better hourly pay in this competitive healthcare field.
More salary data for Winston, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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. 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, 7-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