Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Sugar Land, TX: $45.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Sugar Land, TX runs $45.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,427 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Sugar Land's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,652 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Sugar Land, TX is projected to be $45.39, slightly lower than the national median of $48.21. This competitive rate is appealing for both full-time professionals and part-time workers, especially those operating in settings like hospital MRI suites or outpatient imaging centers. Part-time colleagues working three days a week may earn a consistent hourly income while enjoying a better work-life balance. For entry-level technologists, hourly rates start around $33.15, while seasoned professionals can see their pay escalate to approximately $61.97 per hour, showcasing a broad spectrum of earnings within the field. These figures reflect calculated estimates based on annual salary data, translating them into hourly compensation in the dynamic healthcare landscape of Sugar Land.
About the Sugar Land 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) | $33.15 | $265.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.60 | $308.79 |
| Median (P50) | $45.39 | $363.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.30 | $410.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.97 | $495.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sugar Land
Based on $45.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.39/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sugar Land, TX can expect to earn approximately $94,419 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,473. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sugar Land.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sugar Land
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,815.76 | $7,868 | $94,419 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,089.46 | $4,721 | $56,652 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $726.30 | $3,147 | $37,768 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Sugar Land) | $45.39 |
| 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 Sugar Land, TX earn a median of $94,427 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.84% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% below the Texas state average of $94,711.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.39/hr = $56,652/year (purchasing power: $59,012).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,419/year (purchasing power: $98,354).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sugar Land (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sugar Land grew 30.1% from $33.23/hr (2019) to $43.22/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.68/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 Sugar Land 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 Sugar Land
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists contemplating part-time roles, working 24 hours a week translates to an annual take-home that can significantly differ from those in full-time positions. This part-time scenario often leads to annual earnings that support flexible lifestyles while maintaining professional engagement. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Sugar Land typically ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized roles such as cardiac MRI very often commanding rates between $75 and $110 per hour. Additionally, travel MRI tech contracts can yield $2,200 to $3,400 per week, which attracts many to consider this pathway. It’s also common to find variation in hourly rates based on the employer type, with institutions such as hospitals and outpatient centers often providing different benefits packages that influence overall compensation. For those negotiating rates, it’s vital to weigh the value of health insurance against the desire for higher hourly wages that might not come with benefits, providing a nuanced decision-making process for technologists in Sugar Land.
More salary data for Sugar Land, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sugar Land in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Sugar Land?
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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 Sugar Land. 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 Sugar Land 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