Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $38.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Bristol, VA runs $38.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,488 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,289 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $38.69, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This difference suggests the need for technologists in the area to consider their options carefully, especially if they seek part-time or per-diem opportunities. For instance, someone working three days a week could expect to earn around $29,000 annually, a figure that reflects the lower end of the salary spectrum in Bristol, where entry-level MRI techs might earn approximately $29.72 per hour and experienced professionals could earn up to $48.88 per hour. These roles are critical in a variety of settings, including hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers, where demand continues due to advancements in technology and expanding subspecialties.
About the Bristol 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) | $29.72 | $237.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.59 | $268.71 |
| Median (P50) | $38.69 | $309.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.21 | $337.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.88 | $391.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $38.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.69/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $80,482 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,432. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,547.72 | $6,707 | $80,482 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $928.63 | $4,024 | $48,289 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.09 | $2,683 | $32,193 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Bristol) | $38.69 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $80,488 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.74% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 22.20% below the Virginia state average of $103,455.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.69/hr = $48,289/year (purchasing power: $46,792).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,482/year (purchasing power: $77,986).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bristol grew 30.1% from $28.32/hr (2019) to $36.84/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.64/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
For those considering part-time roles as magnetic resonance imaging technologists, the earning potential isn't just about the hourly wage. Working three days a week at 24 hours offers a different financial reality compared to full-time employment. Per-diem positions present another avenue, with rates typically ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, significantly boosting potential income, especially for those in high-demand areas such as cardiac MRI. Travel MRI contracts can offer lucrative weekly earnings, reaching up to $3,400 for especially in-demand specializations. Compensation varies across employers in Bristol, with hospitals generally offering stable hourly rates but less flexibility, while mobile MRI companies and private practices may provide higher pay without benefits. Technologists should weigh these factors in salary negotiations, considering how benefits might influence their overall compensation package versus net hourly pay, thereby crafting a career path that best aligns with their professional and personal needs.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Bristol?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Bristol?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
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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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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