Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Knoxville, TN: $38.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Knoxville, TN runs $38.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,957 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Knoxville's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,577 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Knoxville, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $38.92 in 2026, a figure that lags behind the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate indicates the financial landscape for both full-time and part-time technicians, suggesting that those working three days a week could expect to earn approximately $30,000 annually. Technologists accepting per-diem positions will find a variety of settings to work in, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and orthopedic practices, with hourly rates in Knoxville ranging from $31.75 for entry-level positions to $46.38 for more experienced technicians. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflects the economic dynamics that affect professionals in this specialized field.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.75 | $254.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.39 | $267.11 |
| Median (P50) | $38.92 | $311.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.73 | $317.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.38 | $371.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Knoxville
Based on $38.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.92/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Knoxville, TN can expect to earn approximately $80,962 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,709. With a cost-of-living index of 92.57 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Knoxville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Knoxville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,556.96 | $6,747 | $80,962 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $934.18 | $4,048 | $48,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $622.79 | $2,699 | $32,385 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Knoxville) | $38.92 |
| 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 Knoxville, TN earn a median of $80,957 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.27% lower than the national median of $100,283.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.92/hr = $48,577/year (purchasing power: $52,477).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,962/year (purchasing power: $87,461).
CoL index: 92.569 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Knoxville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Knoxville grew 38.0% from $26.86/hr (2019) to $37.06/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.88/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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville
When considering the financial opportunities available, part-time professionals in Knoxville, working 24 hours a week, would realistically bring home around $30,000 annually, which is considerably lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Knoxville often exceeds standard hourly wages; rates for these positions can range from $55 to $85 per hour, depending on the facility and demand. Travel MRI tech contracts can be particularly lucrative, offering pay between $2,200 and $3,400 per week, highlighting the appeal of flexible employment arrangements. It's also noteworthy that hourly rates can differ significantly based on the employer type; hospitals may provide more comprehensive benefits, while outpatient centers and mobile MRI companies might offer higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiation plays a key role in determining pay, and understanding regional standards can empower Knoxville-based technologists to seek fair compensation reflective of their expertise.
More salary data for Knoxville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Knoxville. 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