Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $65.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Seattle, WA runs $65.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,022 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,212 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Seattle stands at $65.87, significantly exceeding the national median of $48.21. This premium reflects the high demand for MRI professionals, especially in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and specialized facilities, such as breast imaging centers and research MR labs. For those opting for part-time roles, working just three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can yield substantial earnings, as even entry-level positions start at about $50.44 an hour, reaching up to $82.66 for more experienced technologists. The hourly pay structure allows flexibility, making it appealing for per-diem workers, who can choose to work on an as-needed basis while accessing various settings across Seattle, thereby adapting their schedules to personal needs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.44 | $403.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.76 | $502.04 |
| Median (P50) | $65.87 | $527.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.12 | $632.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.66 | $661.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $65.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.87/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $137,020 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,050. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,634.99 | $11,418 | $137,020 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,581.00 | $6,851 | $82,212 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,054.00 | $4,567 | $54,808 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Seattle) | $65.87 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $137,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.64% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 27.20% above the Washington state average of $107,722.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.87/hr = $82,212/year (purchasing power: $73,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,020/year (purchasing power: $123,293).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Seattle grew 28.2% from $48.93/hr (2019) to $62.72/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.19/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
Considering the earning potential, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time for 24 hours each week could expect to bring home around $82,000 annually, a competitive figure when compared to full-time positions. The freelance nature of per-diem employment often results in rates from $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists commanding higher prices, even reaching $110 per hour. Factors such as the employer type—hospitals versus outpatient centers or mobile MRI companies—greatly influence hourly wages. Some technologists may forgo a higher hourly rate in exchange for the benefits provided by employers. For those negotiating hourly rates in the Seattle area, emphasizing specialized skills in areas like cardiac MRI or mpMRI can lead to better offers. Engaging with staffing agencies can provide insights into trending rates and opportunities, benefiting both newly credentialed technologists and those seeking advanced positions in the rapidly evolving field of MRI technology.
More salary data for Seattle, 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 Seattle. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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