Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Port Arthur, TX: $46.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Port Arthur, TX runs $46.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,902 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Port Arthur's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,543 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Port Arthur, Texas, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $46.11, which is slightly lower than the national median of $48.21. This hourly pay translates to varying earnings depending on whether an individual works full-time, part-time, or as a per-diem worker. For someone working three days a week, the wages can significantly impact annual take-home income, reflecting the diverse settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units that employ these professionals. With a range from $33.28 for entry-level positions to $60.38 for top earners, those who navigate the competitive field will find opportunities that can be both rewarding and flexible in nature.
About the Port Arthur 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) | $33.28 | $266.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.80 | $310.38 |
| Median (P50) | $46.11 | $368.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.79 | $406.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.38 | $483.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Port Arthur
Based on $46.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.11/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Port Arthur, TX can expect to earn approximately $95,905 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,330. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Port Arthur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Port Arthur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,844.33 | $7,992 | $95,905 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,106.60 | $4,795 | $57,543 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $737.73 | $3,197 | $38,362 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Port Arthur) | $46.11 |
| 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 Port Arthur, TX earn a median of $95,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.37% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.30% above the Texas state average of $94,671.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.11/hr = $57,543/year (purchasing power: $59,941).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,905/year (purchasing power: $99,901).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Port Arthur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Port Arthur grew 30.1% from $33.75/hr (2019) to $43.90/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.43/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 Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur
Exploring the financial dynamics of part-time and per-diem work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist employed for 24 hours a week could see their annual salary vary considerably from their full-time counterparts. Per-diem roles often present lucrative opportunities, with pay swinging between $55 and $85 per hour, and even higher rates for specialized skills, such as cardiac MRI, where compensation can reach up to $110 per hour. Depending on the type of employer—ranging from hospital imaging departments to outpatient facilities—hourly rates can differ markedly. Those opting for full-time positions may weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly wages found in per-diem roles. In this local job market, it's essential for MRI technologists to negotiate effectively, understanding that accepting a slightly lower hourly rate could still offer substantial benefits compared to self-employed opportunities.
More salary data for Port Arthur, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Port Arthur in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Port Arthur?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Port Arthur paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Port Arthur?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Port Arthur?
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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 Port Arthur. 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 Port Arthur 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