Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, PA: $41.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lancaster, PA runs $41.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,996 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,195 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is $41.82, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This hourly rate provides a solid income for both full-time and part-time professionals, especially for those working in a variety of settings such as hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers. Part-time employees working three days a week can still earn a significant income, reflecting the hourly structure's versatility. The pay range for MRI technologists here varies considerably, from $19.44 for entry-level positions to $50.59 for highly experienced individuals in specialized environments. These statistics are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflect the professional landscape for MRI techs in Lancaster.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.44 | $155.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.23 | $273.83 |
| Median (P50) | $41.82 | $334.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.93 | $391.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.59 | $404.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $41.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.82/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, PA can expect to earn approximately $86,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,188. With a cost-of-living index of 98.26 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,672.92 | $7,249 | $86,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,003.75 | $4,350 | $52,195 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.17 | $2,900 | $34,797 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lancaster) | $41.82 |
| 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 Lancaster, PA earn a median of $86,996 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.25% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.70% below the Pennsylvania state average of $89,410.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.82/hr = $52,195/year (purchasing power: $53,121).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,992/year (purchasing power: $88,535).
CoL index: 98.257 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lancaster grew 30.1% from $30.62/hr (2019) to $39.82/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.93/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
The earning potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lancaster can vary greatly based on employment type and working arrangements. For instance, a technologist working part-time at 24 hours a week can expect annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts but still maintains solid financial footing. Per diem opportunities also abound in the Lancaster area, with per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranging from $55 to $85 an hour, and those in cardiac MRI can command even higher rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts provide substantial weekly pay, often between $2,200 and $3,400, presenting alternatives for skilled technologists willing to move. Hourly rates can differ based on whether one is working in a hospital setting, an outpatient facility, or for a mobile MRI company. Consequently, while some choose lower hourly rates for the benefits offered in full-time positions, others pursue agencies that pay higher hourly without the security of benefits. Negotiating your pay in Lancaster often hinges on understanding local market demands and the specific advantages of various employment paths.
More salary data for Lancaster, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lancaster?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Lancaster?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
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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 Lancaster. 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, 4-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