Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Abilene, TX: $45.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Abilene, TX runs $45.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,656 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Abilene's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,796 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Abilene, Texas, earn a median hourly rate of $45.51, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This rate presents various financial opportunities for those working part-time, such as a typical three-day workweek scenario, which could lead to significant annual earnings for those balancing other commitments or positions. The hourly compensation ranges from $33.36 for entry-level positions to as high as $63.92 for top earners, depending on experience and specific employers like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or specialized research laboratories. As demand for MRI expertise grows, particularly in specialized areas like cardiac and prostate imaging, these rates reflect the competitive nature of the field in Abilene and Texas more broadly, with technologists increasingly sought for their skills in high-end equipment such as 3T scanners.
About the Abilene Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.36 | $266.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.82 | $310.55 |
| Median (P50) | $45.51 | $364.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.84 | $398.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.92 | $511.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Abilene
Based on $45.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.51/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Abilene, TX can expect to earn approximately $94,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,611. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Abilene.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Abilene
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,820.38 | $7,888 | $94,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,092.23 | $4,733 | $56,796 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $728.15 | $3,155 | $37,864 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Abilene) | $45.51 |
| 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 Abilene, TX earn a median of $94,656 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.61% lower than the national median of $100,283.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.51/hr = $56,796/year (purchasing power: $59,162).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,660/year (purchasing power: $98,604).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Abilene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Abilene grew 30.1% from $33.31/hr (2019) to $43.33/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.80/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 Abilene 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 Abilene
Focusing on part-time employment, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week at the median pay would earn approximately $56,400 annually, significantly less than a full-time equivalent. Per diem positions, often attracting premium pay, show a different landscape where technologists can command rates from $55 to $85 per hour, especially for specialized roles like cardiac imaging which can range even higher. Travel MRI tech contracts, usually outside traditional settings, can yield impressive weekly pay from $2,200 to $3,400, with added perks like travel allowances. In Abilene, hourly rates will often depend on the type of employer, whether it’s a hospital’s imaging department or a freestanding center. While some technologists might accept jobs that offer lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others prefer higher pay without added perks. For those seeking to negotiate better rates, understanding the market conditions and employer needs in Abilene can prove beneficial.
More salary data for Abilene, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Abilene in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Abilene?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Abilene paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Abilene?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Abilene?
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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 Abilene. 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 Abilene 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