Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Auburn, WA: $51.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Auburn, WA runs $51.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,461 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,874 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, individuals working as magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Auburn, Washington, can expect a median hourly pay of $51.18, a figure that surpasses the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This favorable rate reflects the demand for MRI specialists in various settings including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a substantial income, allowing for flexible work-life balance. Entry-level technologists might earn around $34.89 an hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $69.49 per hour, depending on expertise and employer type. As the industry evolves, these hourly figures provide a clear insight into the financial landscape awaiting aspiring MRI technologists in the region.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.89 | $279.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.51 | $348.11 |
| Median (P50) | $51.18 | $409.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.98 | $463.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.49 | $555.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $51.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.18/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, WA can expect to earn approximately $106,457 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,417. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,047.24 | $8,871 | $106,457 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,228.35 | $5,323 | $63,874 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $818.90 | $3,549 | $42,583 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Auburn) | $51.18 |
| 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 Auburn, WA earn a median of $106,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.16% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $107,754.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.18/hr = $63,874/year (purchasing power: $59,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,457/year (purchasing power: $99,122).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Auburn grew 30.1% from $37.47/hr (2019) to $48.73/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.76/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
When considering part-time opportunities, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week could see an annual take-home pay of approximately $65,000, considerably less than what a full-time tech would earn. Many choose to work on a per-diem basis, commonly billing between $55-$85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI roles offering even higher rates. For those willing to travel, contracts can yield weekly earnings of $2,200 to $3,400, making per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Auburn quite attractive. However, organizations such as hospitals may offer less hourly compensation when factoring in benefits like health insurance. This trade-off is essential for professionals who prefer stability over higher pay without benefits. Understanding the various employer types, including outpatient centers and mobile imaging companies, helps technologists negotiable effectively, ensuring they make informed decisions about their career paths in Auburn's competitive healthcare environment.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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