Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in San Marcos, TX: $48.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in San Marcos, TX runs $48.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,482 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Marcos, Texas, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $48.31, slightly surpassing the national median of $48.21. This hourly rate offers a solid income for both full-time and part-time workers, allowing those who choose to work three days a week to earn around $1,015, offering a decent lifestyle within the city's lower cost of living index. For per-diem roles, which are frequently found in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and research facilities, pay rates can vary, with entry-level technologists beginning in the range of $34.70 and seasoned professionals reaching up to $63.31 per hour. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the growing demand for MRI specialists in diverse environments, including mobile imaging units and orthopedic facilities.
About the San Marcos 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) | $34.70 | $277.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.68 | $325.42 |
| Median (P50) | $48.31 | $386.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.24 | $425.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.31 | $506.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $48.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.31/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, TX can expect to earn approximately $100,493 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,977. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,932.55 | $8,374 | $100,493 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,159.53 | $5,025 | $60,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $773.02 | $3,350 | $40,197 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (San Marcos) | $48.31 |
| 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 San Marcos, TX earn a median of $100,482 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.20% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 6.10% above the Texas state average of $94,705.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.31/hr = $60,296/year (purchasing power: $62,808).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,493/year (purchasing power: $104,680).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Marcos grew 30.1% from $35.37/hr (2019) to $46.00/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.74/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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos
Without a doubt, part-time positions present an attractive option for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Marcos considering the work-life balance they can achieve. Working only 24 hours a week, they would bring home approximately $48,000 annually, in contrast to full-time colleagues who might earn around $100,000 or more each year. Additionally, per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in San Marcos can be lucrative, with rates climbing as high as $110 for specialized cardiac MRI work and lower for general practices. However, hourly rates can differ significantly across types of employers, such as hospitals versus private imaging centers. Many technologists face a choice between accepting positions with slightly lower pay and associated benefits, like health insurance, compared to higher pay rates in positions lacking these advantages. For those negotiating hourly rates, it's critical to understand the local market demands and to communicate knowledge of the demands for subspecialties such as cardiac MRI, which could justify higher pay in negotiations.
More salary data for San Marcos, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Marcos in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in San Marcos?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Marcos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in San Marcos?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Marcos?
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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 San Marcos. 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 San Marcos 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