Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lake Ridge, VA: $47.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lake Ridge, VA runs $47.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,170 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lake Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,496 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lake Ridge, Virginia, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $47.67, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This indicates a promising earning potential, particularly for those working part-time or engaging in per-diem assignments, common in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. Entry-level positions in Lake Ridge might start around $35.23 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $61.83 per hour, reflecting the diverse levels of experience and demand within this specialty. These hourly rates are derived from annual figures, illustrating the increasing financial viability of a career in magnetic resonance imaging amid rising specialization in advanced imaging techniques.
About the Lake Ridge 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) | $35.23 | $281.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.55 | $324.42 |
| Median (P50) | $47.67 | $381.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.65 | $421.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.83 | $494.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Ridge
Based on $47.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.67/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Ridge, VA can expect to earn approximately $99,160 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,208. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,906.92 | $8,263 | $99,160 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,144.15 | $4,958 | $59,496 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $762.77 | $3,305 | $39,664 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lake Ridge) | $47.67 |
| 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 Lake Ridge, VA earn a median of $99,170 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $103,518.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.67/hr = $59,496/year (purchasing power: $57,651).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,160/year (purchasing power: $96,085).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lake Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lake Ridge grew 30.1% from $34.90/hr (2019) to $45.39/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.07/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 Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge
For those considering a part-time role, working three days a week equates to about 24 hours, which could translate to an annual income of approximately $59,703, significantly lower than a full-time salary. Many technologists opt for per-diem work, with rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, and cardiac MRI specialists commanding even higher pay. Travel contracts may offer lucrative pay rates of $2,200 to $3,400 a week, appealing to professionals willing to move temporarily for assignments. In Lake Ridge, the type of employer can influence pay rates significantly; for instance, technologists at hospital imaging departments may experience different compensation structures compared to those in freestanding outpatient centers. Many in the field weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly pay in non-benefit roles and the stability of full-time positions with health insurance. Negotiating hourly rates effectively involves highlighting specialty certifications, such as ARRT(MR) and MRSO credentials, to secure competitive pay reflective of the skills demanded in today’s advanced imaging landscape.
More salary data for Lake Ridge, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lake Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lake Ridge?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lake Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Lake Ridge?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Ridge?
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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 Lake Ridge. 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 Lake Ridge 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