Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $51.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Bethlehem, PA runs $51.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,298 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Bethlehem's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,372 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the projected hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at $51.58, which is notably higher than the national average hourly rate of $48.21. This hourly wage positions MRI technologists favorably, especially for those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, which can lead to substantial take-home earnings even in a reduced schedule. The pay range for this occupation in the area varies from $37.14 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $67.71 for experienced professionals or those working in specialized settings, such as advanced hospitals or outpatient centers. Facilities like mobile MRI units, orthopedic surgery rooms with on-site imaging, and academic research labs contribute to the diverse work environments, providing varying compensation that reflects the demand for skilled MRI technologists in Bethlehem.
About the Bethlehem 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) | $37.14 | $297.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.50 | $348.03 |
| Median (P50) | $51.58 | $412.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.92 | $455.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.71 | $541.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethlehem
Based on $51.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.58/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethlehem, PA can expect to earn approximately $107,287 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,896. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bethlehem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethlehem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,063.21 | $8,941 | $107,287 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,237.93 | $5,364 | $64,372 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $825.28 | $3,576 | $42,915 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Bethlehem) | $51.58 |
| 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 Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $107,298 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.00% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 20.00% above the Pennsylvania state average of $89,415.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.58/hr = $64,372/year (purchasing power: $66,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,287/year (purchasing power: $110,151).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bethlehem grew 30.1% from $37.76/hr (2019) to $49.11/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.17/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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
At a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist could expect an annual income around $64,000. This contrasts significantly with full-time technologists who maintain a full schedule. The per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Bethlehem can be notably lucrative, with professionals billing between $55 and $85 per hour, particularly for specialized services like cardiac MRI, which can command rates from $75 to $110 hourly. Employers vary widely, including hospitals, mobile MRI companies, and outpatient imaging centers, each offering different hourly wages influenced by the nature of their operations and the benefits provided. Consequently, technologists often face a trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates that include health insurance and other perks. Those negotiating their hourly pay should consider not just the paycheck but also the overall compensation package, given the diverse opportunities available in Bethlehem's imaging sector.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bethlehem in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Bethlehem?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bethlehem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Bethlehem?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Bethlehem?
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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 Bethlehem. 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 Bethlehem 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