Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in McAllen, TX: $41.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in McAllen, TX runs $41.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,757 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against McAllen's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,461 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In McAllen, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly wage of $41.23, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This rate has significant implications for part-time and per-diem workers in diverse settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and dedicated facilities like orthopedic on-site MRI rooms. With an hourly range spanning from $32.43 for entry-level positions to approximately $47.20 for more experienced professionals, this reflects the varied demand for MRI specialists in the region. The data provided is sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected into 2026 and underscores the competitive nature of the field given the specialty’s increasing significance.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.43 | $259.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.14 | $289.13 |
| Median (P50) | $41.23 | $329.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.30 | $370.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.20 | $377.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McAllen
Based on $41.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.23/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McAllen, TX can expect to earn approximately $85,768 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,482. With a cost-of-living index of 85.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McAllen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McAllen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,649.39 | $7,147 | $85,768 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $989.63 | $4,288 | $51,461 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $659.76 | $2,859 | $34,307 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (McAllen) | $41.23 |
| 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 McAllen, TX earn a median of $85,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.49% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 9.40% below the Texas state average of $94,655.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.23/hr = $51,461/year (purchasing power: $59,912).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,768/year (purchasing power: $99,853).
CoL index: 85.895 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in McAllen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in McAllen grew 30.1% from $30.19/hr (2019) to $39.26/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.31/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 McAllen 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 McAllen
For part-time MRI technologists working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to an annual income that may be less than a full-time worker, even with a 24-hour weekly commitment. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in McAllen typically ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialty roles like cardiac MRI fetching even higher rates, from $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts for MRI techs offer substantial earnings, often running between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly, particularly in cardiac imaging contexts. Different employer types, such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and travel agencies, affect hourly rates as well. Some technologists may prefer the stability of lower hourly wages that include health benefits, while others might opt for higher hourly rates that do not. For those negotiating their pay, being aware of the specific demands of different employment settings in McAllen can inform strategic discussions, ensuring that they secure salaries that match their expertise and commitment.
More salary data for McAllen, 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 McAllen. 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, 5-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