Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Oak Ridge, TN: $38.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Oak Ridge, TN runs $38.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Oak Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,660 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Ridge, TN, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist can expect a median hourly pay of $38.19, which is significantly lower than the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate provides a reasonable income for full-time professionals, but it can also accommodate part-time or per-diem workers. For instance, those working three days a week can earn approximately $1,000 weekly based on a 24-hour schedule, which translates to around $52,000 annually if consistently scheduled throughout the year. The hourly range for MRI technologists in this area spans from $27.54 for entry-level positions to as much as $51.37 for those at the top of the pay scale, reflecting the demand for expertise in settings such as outpatient imaging centers, hospital MRI suites, and specialized facilities.
About the Oak Ridge 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) | $27.54 | $220.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.10 | $256.78 |
| Median (P50) | $38.19 | $305.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.74 | $333.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.37 | $410.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Ridge
Based on $38.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.19/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Ridge, TN can expect to earn approximately $79,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,827. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,527.56 | $6,619 | $79,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $916.53 | $3,972 | $47,660 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.02 | $2,648 | $31,773 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Oak Ridge) | $38.19 |
| 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 Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $79,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.79% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $80,968.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.19/hr = $47,660/year (purchasing power: $51,917).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,433/year (purchasing power: $86,528).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oak Ridge grew 30.1% from $27.96/hr (2019) to $36.36/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.11/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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Part-time work in this field allows for various earning potentials and scheduling flexibility. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working just three days a week can realize significant annual earnings while maintaining a desirable work-life balance. On the other hand, per-diem roles often offer more lucrative hourly rates; for example, per-diem MRI technologists can command between $55 and $85 per hour, with rates rising for specialized cardiac MRI contracting positions that can reach $75 to $110 per hour. The nature of the employer can lead to varied pay scales in Oak Ridge; hospital departments typically offer more reliable wages, while mobile MRI companies and specialty clinics may yield higher pay but with less stability coming from insurance benefits. As professionals weigh their options, those foregoing higher hourly rates may consider the advantages of benefits packages offered by consistent employers as part of their overall compensation strategy. It’s wise to be proactive in negotiations for hourly positions, particularly in a specialized area like cardiac MRI, to ensure fair compensation reflective of skill and demand.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oak Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Oak Ridge?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oak Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Oak Ridge?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Ridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge 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