Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Fargo, ND: $39.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Fargo, ND runs $39.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,743 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,652 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Fargo, North Dakota, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $39.79 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $48.21. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to an annual earnings potential that can vary considerably depending on weekly hours worked and additional responsibilities. Notably, per-diem roles are also a common option in this field, enabling MRI techs to work in diverse settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile trailers. With a typical entry-level hourly rate starting at $34.93 and seasoned technologists earning around $40.71, skilled workers have preferred access to lucrative positions tailored to the growing demand for specialty imaging, particularly in cardiac MRI and advanced prostate imaging procedures. This data comes from official projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflecting the landscape up to 2026.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.93 | $279.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.93 | $279.46 |
| Median (P50) | $39.79 | $318.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.71 | $325.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.71 | $325.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fargo
Based on $39.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.79/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $82,754 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,742. With a cost-of-living index of 90.87 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,591.41 | $6,896 | $82,754 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $954.85 | $4,138 | $49,652 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $636.57 | $2,758 | $33,101 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Fargo) | $39.79 |
| 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 Fargo, ND earn a median of $82,743 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.49% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 10.30% below the North Dakota state average of $92,244.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.79/hr = $49,652/year (purchasing power: $54,640).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,754/year (purchasing power: $91,067).
CoL index: 90.871 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fargo grew 31.5% from $28.81/hr (2019) to $37.88/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.79/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 Fargo 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 Fargo
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fargo can expect to take home around $49,859 annually if working 24 hours a week, notably less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem opportunities also present a tempting avenue, enabling MRI technologists to command rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI positions often going higher at $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts for MRI techs can yield impressive weekly payouts, sometimes between $2,200 and $3,400, especially for specialized cardiac roles. Employers in Fargo, such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers, often offer different rates; professionals may find varying pay structures based on the institution type. Many technologists face a trade-off between hourly pay and benefits, with some opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and retirement plans. For those entering the job market or negotiating contracts, it’s beneficial to highlight additional certifications from organizations like ASRT or ARRT, as these can enhance their negotiating power and overall earning potential.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
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 Fargo. 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, 5-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