Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbus, OH: $45.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Columbus, OH runs $45.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,084 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,045 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Ohio, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $45.71 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $48.21 per hour. This compensation reflects the skills and expertise required to operate various MRI machines in diverse settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For those opting for part-time work, such as a three-day-a-week schedule, this translates into a solid earning potential while providing flexibility. Entry-level specialists may expect to earn around $38.65 per hour, with experienced professionals in specialized roles, such as cardiac imaging, reaching up to $52.15 per hour. This data stems from 2025 BLS OEWS projections for 2026, ensuring a reliable insight into the expected hourly compensation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.65 | $309.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.15 | $329.21 |
| Median (P50) | $45.71 | $365.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.43 | $411.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.15 | $417.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $45.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.71/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, OH can expect to earn approximately $95,075 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,851. With a cost-of-living index of 95.47 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,828.36 | $7,923 | $95,075 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,097.02 | $4,754 | $57,045 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $731.34 | $3,169 | $38,030 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Columbus) | $45.71 |
| 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 Columbus, OH earn a median of $95,084 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.18% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.30% above the Ohio state average of $92,946.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.71/hr = $57,045/year (purchasing power: $59,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,075/year (purchasing power: $99,587).
CoL index: 95.469 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbus grew 29.9% from $33.49/hr (2019) to $43.52/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.01/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working 24 hours a week can expect an annual take-home of approximately $57,607, contrasting sharply with the income of full-time colleagues. For per-diem workers in the Columbus area, the pay varies, with typical rates being between $55 and $85 per hour, and specialized roles like cardiac MRI can yield as much as $75 to $110 per hour. Employment avenues differ, with hospitals often providing steady positions with benefits, whereas outpatient centers and travel agencies might offer higher pay without the same security. The choice between lower hourly wages with health insurance and higher rates without benefits is key for many professionals. Negotiating effectively—knowing the landscape of employer types including orthopedic practices and neuroscience institutes—can influence job satisfaction and financial stability for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in this region.
More salary data for Columbus, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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