Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Waco, TX: $45.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Waco, TX runs $45.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Waco's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,124 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waco, TX, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected at $45.77 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $48.21. This wage reflects the growing demand for MRI technologists, especially as specialized facilities like outpatient imaging centers and mobile MRI trailers expand their services. For part-time workers, typically scheduled three days a week, the hourly rate allows for a competitive income while balancing work-life commitments. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $32.70 per hour, while those with extensive experience could command rates up to $63.12 per hour. Considering the various settings, including MRI suites in hospitals and breast imaging centers, these hourly estimates provide a clear view of earning potential within the local market compared to the wider national landscape.
About the Waco 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) | $32.70 | $261.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.37 | $306.94 |
| Median (P50) | $45.77 | $366.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.25 | $418.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.12 | $504.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waco
Based on $45.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.77/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waco, TX can expect to earn approximately $95,206 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,926. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,830.88 | $7,934 | $95,206 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,098.53 | $4,760 | $57,124 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $732.35 | $3,174 | $38,082 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Waco) | $45.77 |
| 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 Waco, TX earn a median of $95,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.06% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 0.50% above the Texas state average of $94,734.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.77/hr = $57,124/year (purchasing power: $59,504).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,206/year (purchasing power: $99,173).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waco grew 30.1% from $33.51/hr (2019) to $43.58/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.07/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 Waco 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 Waco
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waco can effectively bring home a substantial income even while working 24 hours a week. At the 2026 projected hourly rate, a 3-day work schedule translates to an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, lacking the benefits that come with full-time employment. For those seeking more flexible arrangements, per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Waco ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI contracts climbing to an impressive $75 to $110 per hour. Travel MRI tech positions further elevate this earning potential, offering weekly contracts between $2,200 and $3,400 based on demand. MRI technologists working in hospitals may earn less than those in private imaging centers or mobile services, prompting some to opt for lower hourly rates with benefits over higher pay without such coverage. When negotiating, it's advisable to consider not only the pay but also the overall package, weighing the long-term gains of health insurance against immediate hourly compensation, especially in a growing field like cardiac MRI or mpMRI.
More salary data for Waco, 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 Waco. 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 Waco 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