Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Baytown, TX: $45.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Baytown, TX runs $45.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Baytown's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,534 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Baytown, Texas, the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to be $45.30 in 2026, which is somewhat below the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This difference may influence career choices among MRI technologists in various settings, whether in hospital MRI suites or outpatient centers. For part-time workers, such as those committed to a 3-day workweek, the wage translates to a solid but manageable paycheck, while per-diem technicians can expect to earn even more due to higher billing rates and flexible schedules. Entry-level technologists may begin at around $31.40 per hour, while those at the top of their game can achieve rates up to $59.35, reflecting a significant pay scale that aligns with the growing demand for specialized imaging professionals in the region.
About the Baytown 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) | $31.40 | $251.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.15 | $297.19 |
| Median (P50) | $45.30 | $362.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.92 | $399.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.35 | $474.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baytown
Based on $45.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.30/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baytown, TX can expect to earn approximately $94,223 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,359. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Baytown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baytown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,811.98 | $7,852 | $94,223 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,087.19 | $4,711 | $56,534 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $724.79 | $3,141 | $37,689 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Baytown) | $45.30 |
| 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 Baytown, TX earn a median of $94,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.50% below the Texas state average of $94,696.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.30/hr = $56,534/year (purchasing power: $58,889).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,223/year (purchasing power: $98,149).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Baytown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Baytown grew 30.1% from $33.16/hr (2019) to $43.13/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.58/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 Baytown 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 Baytown
For those considering part-time opportunities, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working just 24 hours a week can still earn a respectable income, contrasting significantly with the earnings of their full-time counterparts. Often, per-diem positions are quite lucrative; many MRI techs bill between $55 and $85 per hour, particularly for cardiac MRI procedures, which can fetch even higher rates. Travel MRI contracts also offer attractive compensation, ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week, especially in the cardiac subspecialty. Notably, the variations in pay by employer type—whether in hospital settings, outpatient centers like RadNet, or mobile MRI services—often reflect differences in benefits packages. Some technologists may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job security, while others prefer the flexibility and higher pay offered by per diem work, especially when negotiating terms is critical in Baytown's evolving market.
More salary data for Baytown, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Baytown in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Baytown?
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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 Baytown. 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 Baytown 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