Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Houston, TX: $51.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Houston, TX runs $51.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,729 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Houston's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.6, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,634 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In the dynamic field of healthcare, the hourly compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Houston, TX, stands at a compelling $51.79. This figure not only reflects an impressive payment structure but also surpasses the national average hourly rate of $48.21. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this rate translates to a solid weekly income, which can significantly enhance financial stability. Given the diversity of settings—ranging from hospital MRI suites equipped with 1.5T and 3T machines to outpatient imaging centers and even mobile MRI trailers—entry-level technicians might earn around $40.69 per hour, while experienced specialists can reach up to $57.68. The landscape of employment options allows flexibility and the opportunity for higher hourly rates, making it an attractive profession for both full-time and per-diem workers.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.69 | $325.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.18 | $369.45 |
| Median (P50) | $51.79 | $414.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.57 | $436.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.68 | $461.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houston
Based on $51.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.79/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houston, TX can expect to earn approximately $107,724 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,148. With a cost-of-living index of 98.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,071.61 | $8,977 | $107,724 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,242.97 | $5,386 | $64,634 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $828.64 | $3,591 | $43,090 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Houston) | $51.79 |
| 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 Houston, TX earn a median of $107,729 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.42% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 13.80% above the Texas state average of $94,665.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.79/hr = $64,634/year (purchasing power: $65,533).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,724/year (purchasing power: $109,221).
CoL index: 98.629 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Houston grew 30.1% from $37.91/hr (2019) to $49.31/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.40/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 Houston 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 Houston
Analyzing the earning potential reveals interesting insights on part-time and per-diem positions. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working a 24-hour week at the median hourly pay could expect to take home approximately $56,614 annually, significantly less than those employed full-time. Per-diem positions are particularly lucrative; MRI techs often bill between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists earning between $75 and $110. Travel contracts can also be enticing, ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly. Hourly rates vary widely among employers, with hospital imaging departments generally offering stable pay and benefits, while outpatient centers and mobile MRI companies may provide higher hourly earnings, sans benefits. This trade-off prompts many to carefully consider the implications of choosing a lower hourly wage for job security and health insurance versus the appeal of higher pay without benefits. For those navigating the Houston market, effective negotiation can make a remarkable difference, emphasizing the value of specialized skills, such as expertise in cardiac MRI or mpMRI, to secure favorable compensation.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Houston. 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, 6-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