Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Altoona, PA: $41.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Altoona, PA runs $41.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,056 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Altoona's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,631 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Altoona, Pennsylvania, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is set at a median rate of $41.37, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This wage is reflective of both market conditions and the local cost of living, which is indexed at 97.4, below the national average. For part-time practitioners working three days a week, or those opting for per-diem assignments in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI operations, this hourly rate can translate to varied earnings based on the number of hours they choose to work. The hourly rates for entry-level technologists start at $32.06, while experienced professionals can make up to $54.00 per hour, highlighting significant income potential as one advances in skills and experience. These estimates are drawn from projected 2026 data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
About the Altoona Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.06 | $256.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.41 | $283.24 |
| Median (P50) | $41.37 | $330.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.87 | $366.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.00 | $431.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altoona
Based on $41.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.37/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altoona, PA can expect to earn approximately $86,052 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,646. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altoona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altoona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,654.85 | $7,171 | $86,052 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $992.91 | $4,303 | $51,631 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.94 | $2,868 | $34,421 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Altoona) | $41.37 |
| 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 Altoona, PA earn a median of $86,056 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.19% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.80% below the Pennsylvania state average of $89,456.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.37/hr = $51,631/year (purchasing power: $53,010).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,052/year (purchasing power: $88,349).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Altoona grew 30.1% from $30.29/hr (2019) to $39.39/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.45/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 Altoona 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 Altoona
The earning potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists working part-time in Altoona can yield a different financial picture than their full-time counterparts. For instance, a technologist working 24 hours a week could bring home approximately $51,200 annually, differing significantly from a full-time role. Per-diem positions could be particularly lucrative, as many MRI techs in the per diem landscape can bill $55-$85 per hour, especially for specialized roles such as cardiac MRI, which may command rates of $75-$110 per hour. Travel MRI tech assignments also represent a robust segment, providing weekly gross pay between $2,200 and $3,400. Considering the variety of employer types—from hospitals to outpatient centers and mobile operations—hourly rates can fluctuate widely. Some technologists may prefer positions offering lower hourly wages but with health insurance benefits, while others opt for higher hourly pay without the security of health coverage. When negotiating pay, applicants can benefit from demonstrating their specialized skills, especially in growing areas like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, to help secure better hourly pay rates across Altoona, PA.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Altoona in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Altoona?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Altoona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Altoona?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Altoona?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Altoona. 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 Altoona 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