Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Aiken, SC: $43.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Aiken, SC runs $43.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,989 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Aiken's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,594 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aiken, South Carolina, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist settles at a median rate of $43.74, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This disparity reflects regional economic factors, as the cost of living index in Aiken stands below the national average. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate allows for a viable income, particularly at outpatient imaging centers or within mobile MRI units. The hourly wage can vary significantly, with entry-level positions typically starting around $32.51, while experienced professionals may command as much as $57.06. These rates are derived from broader annual salary estimates, tailored to fit the dynamics of local healthcare settings including hospitals and research facilities.
About the Aiken Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.51 | $260.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.34 | $298.71 |
| Median (P50) | $43.74 | $349.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.38 | $387.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.06 | $456.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aiken
Based on $43.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.74/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aiken, SC can expect to earn approximately $90,990 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,494. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aiken.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aiken
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,749.80 | $7,582 | $90,990 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,049.88 | $4,549 | $54,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $699.92 | $3,033 | $36,396 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Aiken) | $43.74 |
| 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 Aiken, SC earn a median of $90,989 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.27% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $91,722.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.74/hr = $54,594/year (purchasing power: $59,665).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,990/year (purchasing power: $99,442).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Aiken (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Aiken grew 30.1% from $32.02/hr (2019) to $41.65/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.95/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 Aiken 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 Aiken
A part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week could anticipate an approximate annual income of $54,176, offering a stark contrast to the earnings of full-time employees in similar roles. Per-diem positions present additional earning opportunities, with rates often billed between $55 and $85 per hour, and specialized cardiac MRI techs earning even more, typically reaching $75 to $110 per hour. Variability in hourly wages across types of employers in Aiken is prevalent; outpatient imaging centers and mobile companies may offer different rates compared to larger hospital departments. While higher hourly wages can be enticing, many professionals in Aiken opt for positions that provide health insurance benefits, accepting slightly lower hourly pay for long-term security. For those in the market, engaging in negotiation tactics tailored for hourly roles can yield substantial dividends, particularly when aiming for a balance between pay and benefits in various healthcare settings.
More salary data for Aiken, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Aiken in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Aiken?
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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 Aiken. 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 Aiken 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