Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Sterling, VA: $47.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Sterling, VA runs $47.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,299 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Sterling's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,575 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist earns a median hourly rate of $47.74, which is slightly below the national median of $48.21. This competitive hourly pay positions MRI technologists favorably within the healthcare sector, particularly for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. With this hourly rate, a part-time technologist working three days a week can make a substantial income while still enjoying flexibility in their schedule. The hourly range varies significantly, with entry-level MRI technologists starting at approximately $36.60 per hour (P10) and experienced professionals earning up to $62.16 (P90), reflecting the diverse settings in which these specialists operate, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and orthopedic practices.
About the Sterling 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) | $36.60 | $292.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.68 | $325.42 |
| Median (P50) | $47.74 | $381.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.71 | $421.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.16 | $497.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling
Based on $47.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.74/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling, VA can expect to earn approximately $99,291 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,283. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sterling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,909.45 | $8,274 | $99,291 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,145.67 | $4,965 | $59,575 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $763.78 | $3,310 | $39,716 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Sterling) | $47.74 |
| 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 Sterling, VA earn a median of $99,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $103,544.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.74/hr = $59,575/year (purchasing power: $57,727).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,291/year (purchasing power: $96,212).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sterling grew 30.1% from $34.94/hr (2019) to $45.45/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.14/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 Sterling 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 Sterling
When considering part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week could anticipate an annual income of around $59,619, compared to a full-time technologist’s income. For those opting for per-diem roles, the pay can be even more attractive; per-diem MRI technologists in Sterling typically earn between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists potentially earning $75 to $110 per hour. The variability in hourly pay is often influenced by employer type, such as hospitals, mobile MRI companies, or specialized outpatient centers. While earning a higher hourly wage may be appealing, some technologists prefer roles that come with health benefits, leading to a trade-off in hourly pay. For those negotiating their rates, understanding industry standards in Sterling can significantly impact compensation strategy and job satisfaction, emphasizing the need to evaluate both pay and benefits when accepting a position.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sterling in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Sterling?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sterling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Sterling?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling?
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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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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