Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lubbock, TX: $38.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lubbock, TX runs $38.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,020 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lubbock's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,617 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Lubbock, Texas, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $38.96, which falls below the national median of $48.21 per hour. This hourly rate is crucial for those considering part-time work, as averaging three days a week can yield approximately $1,238 per week or around $64,200 annually if consistently scheduled. Additionally, per-diem workers within Lubbock typically deal with a range of settings, from hospital MRI suites to outpatient imaging centers. The hourly pay can vary significantly, with rates beginning at $34.50 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $50.05 for those in the top earnings bracket. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, ensuring that technologists have up-to-date pay expectations for the coming year.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.50 | $276.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.50 | $276.02 |
| Median (P50) | $38.96 | $311.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.53 | $388.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.05 | $400.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lubbock
Based on $38.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.96/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lubbock, TX can expect to earn approximately $81,028 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,747. With a cost-of-living index of 91.32 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lubbock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lubbock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,558.23 | $6,752 | $81,028 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $934.94 | $4,051 | $48,617 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $623.29 | $2,701 | $32,411 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lubbock) | $38.96 |
| 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 Lubbock, TX earn a median of $81,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.21% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 14.40% below the Texas state average of $94,650.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.96/hr = $48,617/year (purchasing power: $53,239).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,028/year (purchasing power: $88,732).
CoL index: 91.317 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lubbock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lubbock grew 30.1% from $28.52/hr (2019) to $37.09/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.92/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 Lubbock 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 Lubbock
Considering the earning potential for part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lubbock, working three days a week for 24 hours can provide significant income, though it still pales in comparison to full-time structures. While a full-time position can lead to consistent and reliable earnings, per-diem technologists can take advantage of flexible scheduling and potentially higher pay rates, often billing anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour. For those specializing in cardiac MRI, pay can rise even more, hitting between $75 and $110. Different employer types contribute to pay variability — imaging departments in hospitals may offer different compensation compared to freestanding centers or mobile MRI units. Consequently, many technologists must weigh the benefits of traditional employment with health insurance against the potentially higher hourly rates without benefits when considering agency and travel work. Negotiating effectively is crucial; job seekers should come prepared with research on local rates and consider their unique needs and preferences to find the best fit for their situation.
More salary data for Lubbock, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lubbock in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lubbock?
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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 Lubbock. 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, 3-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