Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Radford, VA: $47.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Radford, VA runs $47.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,982 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Radford's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,391 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Radford, Virginia, the projected hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists stands at $47.59, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This competitive salary offers substantial earning potential for those working part-time, such as a technologist putting in three days per week, as well as for per-diem workers. This vocational field typically sees MRI technologists employed in hospitals with 1.5T and 3T scanners, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI units, orthopedic practices with on-site imaging facilities, and even research environments. For entry-level positions, the hourly rate begins at around $35.90, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $58.10 per hour, providing a broad spectrum of opportunities for those entering the profession.
About the Radford 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) | $35.90 | $287.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.85 | $342.82 |
| Median (P50) | $47.59 | $380.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.53 | $404.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.10 | $464.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Radford
Based on $47.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.59/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Radford, VA can expect to earn approximately $98,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,107. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Radford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Radford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,903.56 | $8,249 | $98,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,142.14 | $4,949 | $59,391 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $761.43 | $3,300 | $39,594 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Radford) | $47.59 |
| 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 Radford, VA earn a median of $98,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.40% below the Virginia state average of $103,538.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.59/hr = $59,391/year (purchasing power: $57,550).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,985/year (purchasing power: $95,916).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Radford grew 30.1% from $34.84/hr (2019) to $45.31/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.98/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 Radford 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 Radford
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $59,600 annually, a figure notably lower compared to full-time wages. Conversely, per-diem MRI technologists typically charge between $55 to $85 per hour, with those specializing in cardiac imaging commanding rates up to $110 per hour. Travel MRI tech contracts can yield even higher earnings, ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week, particularly in the cardiac specialty. Different employer types in Radford influence hourly pay, with hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and mobile MRI services offering varying compensation levels. While some technologists may accept lower hourly rates for the benefits tied to full-time positions, others may prefer hourly gigs without benefits for the flexibility they offer. Those seeking opportunities in Radford should consider negotiation strategies based on these factors to maximize their earnings potential in this specialized field.
More salary data for Radford, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Radford?
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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 Radford. 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 Radford 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