Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Erie, PA: $42.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Erie, PA runs $42.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,628 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Erie, Pennsylvania, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist averages $42.17, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This discrepancy suggests that local MRI professionals may find their hourly earnings affected by the regional cost of living—currently indexed at 97.4, just below the national average. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to an annual income that can still provide stability but lacks the financial cushion of full-time work. Per-diem positions present another avenue for earning; with many technologists working in varied environments—ranging from hospital MRI suites to mobile trailer units—they can see hourly compensation vary widely. The hourly range in Erie spans from $31.48 for entry-level roles to $56.75 for those at the higher end of the pay scale, reflecting the increasing demand for specialized skills such as cardiac MRI.
About the Erie 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) | $31.48 | $251.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.47 | $283.75 |
| Median (P50) | $42.17 | $337.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.37 | $378.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.75 | $453.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $42.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.17/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, PA can expect to earn approximately $87,713 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,603. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,686.78 | $7,309 | $87,713 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,012.07 | $4,386 | $52,628 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $674.71 | $2,924 | $35,085 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Erie) | $42.17 |
| 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 Erie, PA earn a median of $87,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.53% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.90% below the Pennsylvania state average of $89,417.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.17/hr = $52,628/year (purchasing power: $54,032).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,713/year (purchasing power: $90,054).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Erie grew 42.8% from $28.11/hr (2019) to $40.15/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.29/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 Erie 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 Erie
For technologists considering part-time positions, working a three-day week (approximately 24 hours) could yield an annual take-home income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. In Erie, while some per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists may earn between $55 and $85 per hour, the avenues for higher pay exist primarily in travel contracts, which range from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly for those skilled in cardiac MRI. Different employer types in Erie, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI companies, showcase a diversity in pay structures. Some MRI techs may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for employee benefits, like health insurance, while those preferring a higher pay rate may opt for positions without such perks. For professionals looking to negotiate their hourly pay, understanding comparative rates among various facility types can provide leverage when discussing compensation, ensuring they choose the right fit for their career and lifestyle needs.
More salary data for Erie, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Erie in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Erie?
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How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Erie?
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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 Erie. 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 Erie 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