Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, VA: $48.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Portsmouth, VA runs $48.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,141 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Portsmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,086 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, VA, the hourly wage for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist rests at $48.15, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This rate offers a solid income for professionals working in diverse settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI operations. For part-time MRI technologists, working three days a week or approximately 24 hours, this hourly pay can translate into a respectable income while still allowing for flexibility in scheduling. The hourly rates vary significantly, with entry-level technologists earning around $35.05 per hour and top earners making as much as $63.33. These figures are derived from annual salary projections and provide insight into the potential earnings in Portsmouth's dynamic healthcare landscape.
About the Portsmouth 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) | $35.05 | $280.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.77 | $326.18 |
| Median (P50) | $48.15 | $385.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.31 | $426.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.33 | $506.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $48.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.15/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, VA can expect to earn approximately $100,143 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,775. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,925.83 | $8,345 | $100,143 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,155.50 | $5,007 | $60,086 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $770.33 | $3,338 | $40,057 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Portsmouth) | $48.15 |
| 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 Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $100,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $103,451.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.15/hr = $60,086/year (purchasing power: $58,223).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,143/year (purchasing power: $97,038).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Portsmouth grew 30.1% from $35.24/hr (2019) to $45.84/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.57/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
When focusing on part-time and per-diem roles, opportunities abound for MRI technologists in Portsmouth. A technologist working three days a week could take home approximately $60,000 annually, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle while maintaining part-time hours. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Portsmouth generally ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized positions like cardiac MRI offering $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts present even higher earnings, reaching $2,200 to $3,400 weekly. The variety of employer types—such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile companies—contributes to the disparities in hourly pay. Some professionals may opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits. For those negotiating jobs in Portsmouth, it’s beneficial to research local salaries and consider how specialized certifications, such as MRSO or particular subspecialties in cardiac MRI, can enhance their market value.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Portsmouth in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Portsmouth?
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Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Portsmouth?
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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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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