Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in West Chester, PA: $40.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in West Chester, PA runs $40.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,717 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against West Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Chester, Pennsylvania, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $40.25 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate offers plenty of options for part-time work, especially for those seeking to balance their schedules. For professionals working three days a week, the flexible pay can be appealing, as it allows for a work-life balance while still generating a stable income. Entry-level technologists may start at around $32.44, while more experienced or specialized MRI techs can earn up to $51.17 per hour, depending on the setting, whether it's in a hospital MRI suite, an outpatient imaging center, or specialized facilities like orthopedic rooms and breast imaging centers. However, these figures are estimates driven by annual salary data, reflecting a competitive landscape for imaging professionals in the area.
About the West Chester 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) | $32.44 | $259.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.08 | $288.62 |
| Median (P50) | $40.25 | $321.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.08 | $352.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.17 | $409.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Chester
Based on $40.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.25/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $83,715 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,297. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,609.90 | $6,976 | $83,715 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $965.94 | $4,186 | $50,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $643.96 | $2,790 | $33,486 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (West Chester) | $40.25 |
| 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 West Chester, PA earn a median of $83,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.52% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 6.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $89,442.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.25/hr = $50,229/year (purchasing power: $51,570).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,715/year (purchasing power: $85,949).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in West Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Chester grew 30.1% from $29.46/hr (2019) to $38.32/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.27/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 West Chester 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 West Chester
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Chester can expect to take home approximately $52,000 annually for a 24-hour workweek, which illustrates a significant difference compared to full-time salaries. For those considering per-diem work, rates can vary widely, with per diem MRI techs billing from $55 to $85 per hour, and cardiac MRI positions commanding up to $110 hourly, presenting lucrative opportunities but without stability. In West Chester, variation in pay exists among employer types, ranging from hospital departments to outpatient centers like RadNet and contract opportunities with travel agencies, which may offer $2,200 to $3,400 per week. While many technologists may opt for lower hourly wages to receive benefits, such as health insurance, others receive higher rates but sacrifice these advantages. Negotiating for the best terms in hourly pay is vital, and understanding local market rates can empower MRI techs to secure a fair deal in this fluctuating job market.
More salary data for West Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Chester in 2026?
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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 West Chester. 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 West Chester 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