Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, WA: $51.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lakewood, WA runs $51.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,418 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,848 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lakewood, Washington, are expected to earn a median hourly rate of $51.16, surpassing the national median of $48.21. This competitive pay reflects the specialized skills required in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and research laboratories. The hourly wage varies significantly across experience levels, ranging from approximately $34.89 for entry-level positions to $69.58 for seasoned professionals at the peak of their careers. Part-time or per-diem technologists can expect to earn similarly attractive rates, making this profession appealing for those seeking flexible work arrangements while still achieving substantial hourly income.
About the Lakewood 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) | $44.60 | $356.77 |
| Median (P50) | $51.16 | $409.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.90 | $463.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.58 | $556.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $51.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.16/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, WA can expect to earn approximately $106,413 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,392. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,046.40 | $8,868 | $106,413 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,227.84 | $5,321 | $63,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $818.56 | $3,547 | $42,565 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lakewood) | $51.16 |
| 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 Lakewood, WA earn a median of $106,418 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.12% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $107,711.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.16/hr = $63,848/year (purchasing power: $59,449).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,413/year (purchasing power: $99,081).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lakewood grew 30.1% from $37.45/hr (2019) to $48.71/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.73/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
For a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time at 24 hours per week, the annual take-home earnings can vary significantly depending on the role and specific employment situation. Part-time employees earn approximately $63,000 annually, while per-diem MRI technicians typically charge between $55 and $85 per hour. In certain high-demand scenarios, such as cardiac MRI or travel assignments, the hourly pay can climb even higher, creating opportunities for professionals willing to work on a contract basis or through agencies. Rates can differ by employer type, with hospitals often providing benefits that might offset a lower hourly wage compared to independent centers where hourly pay could be higher but without those perks. Understanding these dynamics can help technologists in Lakewood negotiate better contracts while considering their long-term career goals and financial needs.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lakewood?
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Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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