Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Odessa, TX: $45.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Odessa, TX runs $45.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,669 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Odessa's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,206 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Odessa, TX, the projected median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is $45.04. This figure is slightly lower than the national median of $48.21 per hour, illustrating the regional pay differences often influenced by cost of living and demand for specialized skills. For those seeking part-time positions, such as a typical three-day work week, the earnings can still translate to a substantial income, while per-diem roles can provide flexibility and potentially higher rates. Hourly wages in Odessa range from $32.32 for entry-level positions to $60.75 for those at the top of their field, emphasizing the opportunities for advancement within this specialty in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and dedicated research facilities.
About the Odessa 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) | $32.32 | $258.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.86 | $302.91 |
| Median (P50) | $45.04 | $360.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.46 | $403.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.75 | $485.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Odessa
Based on $45.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.04/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Odessa, TX can expect to earn approximately $93,677 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,044. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Odessa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Odessa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,801.47 | $7,806 | $93,677 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,080.88 | $4,684 | $56,206 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $720.59 | $3,123 | $37,471 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Odessa) | $45.04 |
| 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 Odessa, TX earn a median of $93,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.10% below the Texas state average of $94,711.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.04/hr = $56,206/year (purchasing power: $58,548).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,677/year (purchasing power: $97,580).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Odessa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Odessa grew 30.1% from $32.97/hr (2019) to $42.88/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.30/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 Odessa 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 Odessa
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working three days a week, or around 24 hours, can expect to take home approximately $56,024 annually, which can be significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. The per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Odessa can vary widely, with professionals often billing anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour. For cardiac MRI specialists, rates might reach $75 to $110 per hour, while travel MRI tech contracts can yield weekly earnings between $2,200 and $3,400. This variance reflects differences across employers, such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and other healthcare practices. Technologists may need to weigh the pros and cons of hourly pay versus benefits, as some might accept a lower hourly rate for health insurance options. Negotiating effectively can help in securing a better hourly rate, particularly in a market where specialized skills such as cardiac MRI and mpMRI are in increasing demand.
More salary data for Odessa, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Odessa in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Odessa?
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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 Odessa. 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 Odessa 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