Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $43.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Charleston, SC runs $43.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,559 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,742 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the projected hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is $43.06, reflecting a competitive rate within the healthcare sector. This rate is somewhat below the national median of $48.21, highlighting local pay variations that professionals should consider when evaluating job opportunities. For part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, the compensation can still be attractive: they might earn approximately $34,000 per year, depending on hours worked. Moreover, pay can range significantly, from about $33.32 for entry-level positions to $47.40 for the most experienced technologists in specialized settings like cardiac imaging labs or research facilities. These figures come from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.32 | $266.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.99 | $311.90 |
| Median (P50) | $43.06 | $344.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.40 | $379.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.40 | $379.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $43.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.06/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $89,570 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,675. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,722.49 | $7,464 | $89,570 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,033.50 | $4,478 | $53,742 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $689.00 | $2,986 | $35,828 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Charleston) | $43.06 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $89,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.69% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.40% below the South Carolina state average of $91,761.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.06/hr = $53,742/year (purchasing power: $53,230).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,570/year (purchasing power: $88,716).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Charleston (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 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Charleston grew 28.0% from $32.02/hr (2019) to $41.00/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.23/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
Considering the earning potential can provide deeper insights into a magnetic resonance imaging technologist's financial outlook in Charleston. Part-time professionals might take home around $34,000 annually when working 24 hours a week, which is a significant reduction compared to full-time earnings. For those opting for per diem roles, there’s potential for a much higher hourly rate; per diem MRI techs may bill between $55 to $85, with specialty areas like cardiac MRI potentially yielding $75 to $110 an hour. Travel contracts also present lucrative opportunities, often ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly. Depending on the employer, which may include hospitals, outpatient centers, or mobile MRI services, hourly rates can vary widely. Some magnetic resonance imaging technologists choose positions with lower pay in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, while others prioritize higher hourly wages without those benefits. For professionals negotiating or seeking to maximize their pay in Charleston's market, considering benefits packages versus raw pay can be essential for long-term career satisfaction.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Charleston?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Charleston?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Charleston?
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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 Charleston. 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, 7-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