Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in El Paso, TX: $39.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in El Paso, TX runs $39.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,354 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against El Paso's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.9, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,416 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In El Paso, TX, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $39.60. When compared to the national hourly median of $48.21, this local rate reflects the cost of living and demand for skilled MRI technologists in the region. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, who could earn approximately $30,000 annually, making it an appealing option for professionals seeking flexibility. The hourly range for MRI technologists in El Paso extends from $33.81 at the lower end to $50.00 for the most experienced specialists, reflecting varying roles across settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI services. The figures provided here stem from reliable BLS data, ensuring a factual basis for understanding local pay dynamics.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.81 | $270.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.89 | $311.14 |
| Median (P50) | $39.60 | $316.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.87 | $375.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.00 | $400.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Paso
Based on $39.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.60/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Paso, TX can expect to earn approximately $82,360 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,516. With a cost-of-living index of 89.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in El Paso.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Paso
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,583.85 | $6,863 | $82,360 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $950.31 | $4,118 | $49,416 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $633.54 | $2,745 | $32,944 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (El Paso) | $39.60 |
| 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 El Paso, TX earn a median of $82,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.88% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 13.00% below the Texas state average of $94,660.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.60/hr = $49,416/year (purchasing power: $54,961).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,360/year (purchasing power: $91,601).
CoL index: 89.912 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in El Paso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in El Paso grew 5.1% from $35.88/hr (2019) to $37.70/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.59/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 El Paso 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 El Paso
For part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working in El Paso, the potential for an adaptable work schedule often comes with trade-offs regarding overall income compared to full-time employees. Gathering income insights, a 3-day workweek generally results in taking home about $30,000 annually, significantly less than full-time peers but still a viable financial route for those balancing other commitments. Meanwhile, per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in El Paso presents a different opportunity, with hourly rates frequently ranging from $55 to $85, depending on the specialty required. Travel contracts elevate pay further, offering upwards of $2,200 to $3,400 per week for travel MRI tech roles, particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI. Employers across various sectors, including outpatient imaging centers, hospitals, and mobile MRI companies, can influence hourly wage distributions, creating a diverse market. For those considering their compensation, it's essential to balance the benefits of stable employment versus potentially higher hourly rates available through agency work, which rarely includes benefits. In negotiating pay, being informed about market rates and the specific needs of local employers can strengthen bargaining positions for MRI technologists in TX.
More salary data for El Paso, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in El Paso in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in El Paso?
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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 El Paso. 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