Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Blacksburg, VA: $49.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Blacksburg, VA runs $49.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,640 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Blacksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,580 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Blacksburg, Virginia, is projected to sit at $49.34, slightly above the national median of $48.21. This competitive hourly rate can attract both full-time employees and those in part-time or per-diem roles within various environments such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI units. For example, a part-time technologist working three days a week could earn around $38,000, depending on their exact hours. The hourly pay range for entry-level positions starts at approximately $36.63, while top earners may reach $64.27. These rates are derived from projected annual salaries, reflecting the specialty's demand within radiologic technology.
About the Blacksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.63 | $293.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.14 | $337.10 |
| Median (P50) | $49.34 | $394.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.62 | $436.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.27 | $514.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blacksburg
Based on $49.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.34/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blacksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $102,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,212. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Blacksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blacksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,973.72 | $8,553 | $102,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,184.23 | $5,132 | $61,580 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.49 | $3,421 | $41,053 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Blacksburg) | $49.34 |
| 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 Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $102,640 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $103,467.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.34/hr = $61,580/year (purchasing power: $59,671).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,634/year (purchasing power: $99,451).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Blacksburg grew 30.1% from $36.12/hr (2019) to $46.98/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.83/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 Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg
For those opting for a part-time schedule, working 24 hours a week can yield a substantial income, with the earning potential typically being lower than full-time colleagues due to reduced hours. However, per diem positions can provide greater flexibility with higher earnings; per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Blacksburg may bill between $55 to $85 per hour, while cardiac MRI roles can command $75 to $110 hourly. Various employers, such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI companies, can influence these rates as well. In addition, some technologists choose lower hourly compensation in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiating an hourly rate should consider the provider's reputation and the value of benefits versus higher pay.
More salary data for Blacksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Blacksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Blacksburg?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Blacksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Blacksburg?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Blacksburg?
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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 Blacksburg. 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 Blacksburg 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