Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Burien, WA: $51.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Burien, WA runs $51.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,203 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Burien's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,320 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Burien, Washington, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $51.54, surpassing the national median of $48.21. This competitive pay reflects the increasing demand for skilled MRI professionals in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For technologists working part-time, particularly those on a three-day work schedule, which totals around 24 hours weekly, this translates to an attractive income that's conducive to balancing personal obligations or pursuing further certifications. Additionally, the hourly compensation range spans from $38.38 for entry-level positions to $70.85 for seasoned professionals, offering opportunities for growth at different stages of their careers within Burien's diverse healthcare landscape.
About the Burien 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) | $38.38 | $307.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.25 | $353.99 |
| Median (P50) | $51.54 | $412.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.79 | $470.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.85 | $566.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burien
Based on $51.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.54/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burien, WA can expect to earn approximately $107,199 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,846. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burien.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burien
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,061.53 | $8,933 | $107,199 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,236.92 | $5,360 | $64,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $824.61 | $3,573 | $42,880 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Burien) | $51.54 |
| 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 Burien, WA earn a median of $107,203 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.90% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $107,742.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.54/hr = $64,320/year (purchasing power: $59,888).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,199/year (purchasing power: $99,813).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Burien grew 30.1% from $37.73/hr (2019) to $49.07/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.13/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 Burien 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 Burien
Exploring the financial realities for those in this role reveals an intriguing picture of part-time and per-diem work options. A part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week could earn approximately $41,430 annually, while full-time colleagues typically enjoy higher overall earnings. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists, on the other hand, benefit from even greater flexibility, often billing between $55 and $85 per hour for general imaging, while cardiac MRI specialists can command rates of $75 to $110 per hour. In Burien, salaries also vary by employer; professionals might encounter different rates between hospital imaging departments and private outpatient centers. Some technologists opt for the security and benefits that a traditional job provides, even at lower wages, while others prioritize higher hourly pay. When negotiating compensation, being aware of these factors is key to maximizing both financial rewards and career satisfaction in this evolving field.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Burien in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Burien?
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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 Burien. 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 Burien 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