Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbia, TN: $37.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Columbia, TN runs $37.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,896 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 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,332 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, Tennessee, magnetic resonance imaging technologists enjoy a median hourly rate of $37.93, which falls significantly below the national median of $48.21. This disparity impacts professionals seeking part-time or per-diem roles in various clinical settings, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and orthopedic on-site facilities. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the earnings can vary greatly, with entry-level positions starting around $27.09 and top earners reaching $50.44 per hour. With these hourly rates derived from annual salary projections, technologists in Columbia have a unique earning potential that reflects both regional demand and comparative workplace environments.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee 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) | $27.09 | $216.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.56 | $252.49 |
| Median (P50) | $37.93 | $303.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.64 | $341.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.44 | $403.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $37.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.93/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, TN can expect to earn approximately $78,887 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,512. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (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) | $1,517.05 | $6,574 | $78,887 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $910.23 | $3,944 | $47,332 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $606.82 | $2,630 | $31,555 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Columbia) | $37.93 |
| 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, TN earn a median of $78,896 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.33% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $80,919.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.93/hr = $47,332/year (purchasing power: $51,560).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,887/year (purchasing power: $85,933).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
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 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Columbia grew 30.1% from $27.76/hr (2019) to $36.11/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.83/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
When considering a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist's income in Columbia, a professional working a typical schedule of 24 hours weekly could generate an annual income substantially less than their full-time counterparts, limiting their salary to roughly $47,000 per year. For those opting for per-diem roles, the compensation can soar, with rates often between $55 and $85 per hour, especially for specialized cardiac MRI projects that may attract $75 to $110 per hour. Various workplaces influence pay rates; while some hospital imaging departments may offer lower wages, freestanding outpatient centers and travel contracts can provide opportunities with higher returns. The decision between a salary with benefits versus a higher pay rate without can often hinge on individual needs, so understanding the trade-offs remains crucial. For technologists negotiating their hourly pay, emphasizing specialized skills, such as 3T or cardiac MRI expertise, can provide leverage for better remuneration in Columbia's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
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
Salary data for Columbia 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