Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in McLean, VA: $48.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in McLean, VA runs $48.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,314 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against McLean's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,794 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McLean, Virginia, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $48.71. This is slightly above the national median of $48.21, which reflects the local demand for skilled professionals in specialized imaging environments. With such an hourly wage, part-time workers, who typically operate three days a week, can earn a substantial income while balancing other commitments, making this profession attractive for those seeking flexibility. The hourly earning range for MRI technologists spans from $35.10 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $62.16 at the 90th percentile, allowing room for both entry-level positions and highly experienced technologists in settings that include hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers.
About the McLean 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) | $35.10 | $280.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.80 | $326.43 |
| Median (P50) | $48.71 | $389.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.13 | $425.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.16 | $497.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McLean
Based on $48.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.71/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McLean, VA can expect to earn approximately $101,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,455. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McLean.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McLean
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,948.52 | $8,444 | $101,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,169.11 | $5,066 | $60,794 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $779.41 | $3,377 | $40,529 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (McLean) | $48.71 |
| 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 McLean, VA earn a median of $101,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $103,487.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.71/hr = $60,794/year (purchasing power: $58,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,323/year (purchasing power: $98,181).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in McLean grew 30.1% from $35.66/hr (2019) to $46.38/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.16/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 McLean 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 McLean
Considering the earning potential for part-time MRI technologists working 24 hours a week, an annual income can be around $61,000. This figure compares favorably with full-time salaries while offering flexible scheduling that many in the profession value. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in McLean can be even more lucrative, with hourly rates typically ranging from $55 to $85, depending on the setting and specialization. Cardiac MRI technicians may command rates between $75 and $110, while travel contracts can yield weekly earnings between $2,200 and $3,400, particularly appealing for those who prefer transient positions. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the employer type, where hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed may offer different pay structures. It's often a trade-off for technologists; some accept lower hourly rates for the benefits that hospitals provide, while others choose higher pay for per diem roles without corporate health insurance. For those in McLean negotiating their rates, focusing on local market demand and specialty skills such as cardiac MRI can yield better pay outcomes.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in McLean in 2026?
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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 McLean. 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 McLean 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