Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $47.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Fairfax, VA runs $47.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,804 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,286 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fairfax, Virginia, can expect a median hourly rate of $47.51, slightly below the national median of $48.21/hr. This competitive wage allows for flexibility in work arrangements, making it an attractive option for part-time and per-diem workers in various clinical settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI services. The hourly earnings for these professionals range from $35.68 at the entry level to $59.46 for top earners, reflecting the diverse roles and responsibilities they may take on in specialized environments such as orthopedic surgery practices and research laboratories. These figures are projected based on 2025 BLS data and illustrate the solid earning potential in the field of MRI technology.
About the Fairfax 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) | $35.68 | $285.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.80 | $326.43 |
| Median (P50) | $47.51 | $380.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.35 | $410.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.46 | $475.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $47.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.51/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $98,811 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,006. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,900.20 | $8,234 | $98,811 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,140.12 | $4,941 | $59,286 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $760.08 | $3,294 | $39,524 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Fairfax) | $47.51 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $98,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.47% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $103,459.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.51/hr = $59,286/year (purchasing power: $57,448).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,811/year (purchasing power: $95,747).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fairfax grew 30.1% from $34.78/hr (2019) to $45.23/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.89/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
For those considering part-time work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist, a schedule of three days a week could yield an annual take-home income significantly different from full-time employment. Specialists working per-diem can often command billing rates between $55-$85/hr, with cardiac MRI technicians receiving rates as high as $75-$110/hr. Travel MRI contracts can even reach $2,200-$3,400 weekly, reflecting the high demand in various healthcare settings. Hourly pay rates may also vary depending on the employer type—hospital imaging departments often provide benefits at lower hourly rates, while outpatient centers or travel agencies tend to offer higher pay but less security. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for MRI technologists who want to maximize their income in Fairfax, VA. Negotiation skills can be handy in this region, particularly when seeking higher compensation for specific certifications, such as cardiac MRI or mpMRI, which are increasingly relevant in the growing specialty.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Fairfax?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fairfax paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Fairfax?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfax?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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