Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $43.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Columbia, SC runs $43.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,864 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,925 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected at $43.21 for 2026, a figure that lags behind the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate can significantly influence the earnings of those who may choose part-time schedules, such as working three days a week, as well as per-diem opportunities that often arise in various clinical settings, like hospital MRI suites and outpatient centers. Technologists in Columbia can expect to earn between $34.48 and $48.12 per hour based on experience and expertise, making it vital for workers in this field to assess their options carefully when pursuing part-time roles or per-diem work in locations such as breast imaging centers or research labs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.48 | $275.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.74 | $317.95 |
| Median (P50) | $43.21 | $345.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.62 | $372.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.12 | $385.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $43.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.21/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $89,875 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,851. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,728.37 | $7,490 | $89,875 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,037.02 | $4,494 | $53,925 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $691.35 | $2,996 | $35,950 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Columbia) | $43.21 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $89,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.39% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.10% below the South Carolina state average of $91,791.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.21/hr = $53,925/year (purchasing power: $57,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,875/year (purchasing power: $95,957).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbia grew 24.5% from $33.04/hr (2019) to $41.14/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.38/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Considering the overall compensation strategy, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time at 24 hours a week could earn approximately $54,000 annually, a notable difference compared to full-time positions. In the per-diem scenario, MRI techs can command higher rates, often billing anywhere between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized roles like cardiac MRI yielding even greater pay. Additionally, the type of employer significantly impacts pay rates. Hospitals may often offer lower hourly wages in exchange for more comprehensive health insurance benefits, while private outpatient imaging centers or mobile MRI companies might provide better hourly rates without benefits. For navigating pay negotiations in Columbia, it's wise for technologists to consider the total compensation package rather than just the hourly figure, helping them make informed decisions about their professional pathways in this evolving field.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Columbia?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Columbia?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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