Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Salem, OR: $61.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Salem, OR runs $61.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,053 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,838 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Salem, Oregon, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to reach a notable $61.57 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.21. This competitive wage opens various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem MRI technologists. Those who work three days a week can expect to earn substantial compensation while still enjoying a balanced work-life arrangement. The hourly wage range spans from $47.84 at the entry-level to $66.22 for the top earners in this specialized field. With the growing demand for highly skilled MRI technologists in settings including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers, the hourly data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reflects a solidly supported compensation structure for these professionals.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.84 | $382.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.38 | $419.03 |
| Median (P50) | $61.57 | $492.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.48 | $523.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.22 | $529.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $61.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.57/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, OR can expect to earn approximately $128,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,882. With a cost-of-living index of 103.65 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,462.74 | $10,672 | $128,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,477.65 | $6,403 | $76,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $985.10 | $4,269 | $51,225 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Salem) | $61.57 |
| 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 Salem, OR earn a median of $128,053 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.69% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 24.50% above the Oregon state average of $102,853.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.57/hr = $76,838/year (purchasing power: $74,133).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,063/year (purchasing power: $123,554).
CoL index: 103.649 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Salem grew 32.1% from $44.36/hr (2019) to $58.62/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.67/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 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 Salem
Beyond the straightforward hourly rate, part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists operating on a 24-hour workweek can take home an appealing income compared to full-time counterparts. Commonly, per-diem and agency MRI techs in Salem command rates between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI positions reaching even higher at $75 to $110 per hour. This creates attractive financial opportunities for those willing to embrace flexible work arrangements. Various employer types also offer differing pay scales, making it advantageous for professionals to seek positions in hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, and travel contracts. Moreover, while some technologists may opt for lower hourly pay that includes benefits such as health insurance, others prefer the higher rates available in less stable work environments. To maximize compensation, it's wise for MRI technologists in Salem to negotiate effectively, emphasizing their credentials and experience to secure favorable hourly terms.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Salem?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Salem?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in 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 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
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