Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Smyrna, TN: $39.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Smyrna, TN runs $39.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,831 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,102 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Smyrna, Tennessee, the projected hourly pay in 2026 stands at an average of $39.34. While this rate is significantly lower than the national median of $48.21, it reflects local market conditions within various employment settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. Technologists can expect to earn between $28.27 at entry-level positions and $51.28 for those at the top of their field in Smyrna. This hourly data offers insight for part-time workers, typically scheduled for three days a week, as well as for per-diem roles where opportunities abound in specialized environments including orthopedic surgery practices and research MR labs.
About the Smyrna 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) | $28.27 | $226.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.02 | $264.17 |
| Median (P50) | $39.34 | $314.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.18 | $353.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.28 | $410.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $39.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.34/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, TN can expect to earn approximately $81,836 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,213. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,573.77 | $6,820 | $81,836 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $944.26 | $4,092 | $49,102 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $629.51 | $2,728 | $32,734 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Smyrna) | $39.34 |
| 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 Smyrna, TN earn a median of $81,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.40% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $80,941.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.34/hr = $49,102/year (purchasing power: $53,488).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,836/year (purchasing power: $89,146).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Smyrna grew 30.1% from $28.80/hr (2019) to $37.46/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.32/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
The potential earnings for a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist working a typical 24-hour week could amount to around $61,000 annually, creating a substantial contrast with full-time professionals. Per diem positions provide a varied pay structure, commonly billing between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI technology drawing higher rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Travel MRI technologists might see contracts ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week, emphasizing the demand for specialized skills in this field. Additionally, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer types in Smyrna, including hospitals and outpatient centers. Some technologists opt for lower-paid positions with benefits while others pursue higher rates with fewer perks. Negotiating hourly pay can be strategic: understanding the value of MRI specialization and leveraging local market knowledge helps MRI techs maximize their income while navigating the job landscape in Smyrna, TN.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Smyrna in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Smyrna?
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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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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