Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $42.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Sumter, SC runs $42.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,386 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,431 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sumter, South Carolina, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $42.01, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This discrepancy highlights the local market dynamics and cost of living considerations. For technologists considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a strong potential for income in a variety of settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and specialized labs. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $31.88 hourly, while the most experienced professionals may reach as high as $55.58 per hour. These hours are generally derived from annual salary figures, making them a crucial aspect for those contemplating flexible work arrangements or exploring per diem opportunities in the field.
About the Sumter 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) | $31.88 | $255.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.35 | $290.81 |
| Median (P50) | $42.01 | $336.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.93 | $375.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.58 | $444.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $42.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.01/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $87,385 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,414. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,680.48 | $7,282 | $87,385 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,008.29 | $4,369 | $52,431 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $672.19 | $2,913 | $34,954 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Sumter) | $42.01 |
| 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 Sumter, SC earn a median of $87,386 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $91,792.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.01/hr = $52,431/year (purchasing power: $57,302).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,385/year (purchasing power: $95,503).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sumter grew 30.1% from $30.75/hr (2019) to $40.00/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.13/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 Sumter 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 Sumter
Looking deeper into the hourly dynamics, part-time MRI technologists working 24 hours a week might see annual earnings significantly lower than those employed full-time, restricting their income potential. Daily pay for per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can vary widely, often ranging between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized areas like cardiac MRI attracting rates of $75 to $110 per hour. For travel contracts, the earnings can be lucrative, amounting to weekly grosses of $2,200 to $3,400, especially for cardiac MRI positions. In Sumter, hourly pay can fluctuate significantly depending on where one is employed—whether in hospitals, outpatient centers, or as part of mobile services—each with its unique compensation structure. Ultimately, many professionals must balance the higher hourly wages at agency roles against the stability and health benefits that come with full-time employment. Effective salary negotiation is critical, particularly for those looking to maximize their hourly earnings, especially as the demand for skilled MRI technologists continues to grow amidst advancements in imaging technology.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sumter in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Sumter?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sumter paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Sumter?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sumter?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Sumter. 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 Sumter 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