Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Kingsport, TN: $37.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Kingsport, TN runs $37.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,678 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Kingsport's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.4, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,214 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kingsport, Tennessee, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $37.83, which falls below the national median of $48.21 per hour. This median rate opens various financial avenues for those in the profession, particularly for part-time workers who may choose to work three days a week, potentially earning around $1,200 weekly if they average a full 32-hour schedule. Additionally, this hourly rate applies to technologists employed in diverse settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI platforms. The hourly pay range stretches from $33.62 at entry-level positions up to $48.14 for those nearing the top of the pay scale, illustrating the variety of compensation available in this specialized field based on experience and location, as detailed by the 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.62 | $268.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.79 | $302.32 |
| Median (P50) | $37.83 | $302.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.53 | $316.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.14 | $385.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kingsport
Based on $37.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.83/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kingsport, TN can expect to earn approximately $78,690 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,398. With a cost-of-living index of 86.45 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kingsport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kingsport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,513.27 | $6,558 | $78,690 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $907.96 | $3,935 | $47,214 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.31 | $2,623 | $31,476 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Kingsport) | $37.83 |
| 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 Kingsport, TN earn a median of $78,678 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.54% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 2.80% below the Tennessee state average of $80,944.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.83/hr = $47,214/year (purchasing power: $54,616).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,690/year (purchasing power: $91,027).
CoL index: 86.447 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kingsport grew 30.1% from $27.69/hr (2019) to $36.02/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.73/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 Kingsport 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 Kingsport
Considering the dynamics of part-time and per-diem work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $49,000 annually, which offers an appealing alternative to full-time commitment. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Kingsport often ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with roles in cardiac MRI reaching even higher salaries. MRI techs working for travel agencies may command weekly contracts worth $2,200 to $3,400, particularly in high-demand areas such as cardiac imaging. Compensation can vary significantly depending on the employer type, with lower wages often available in outpatient clinics compared to hospitals, where benefits may offset the potentially higher hourly rates found in travel assignments. It’s essential for techs to gauge the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates with health insurance when negotiating employment conditions within Kingsport’s MRI landscape.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kingsport in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kingsport?
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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 Kingsport. 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, 2-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