Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Tumwater, WA: $60.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Tumwater, WA runs $60.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,459 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Tumwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,881 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tumwater, Washington, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $60.80 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This competitive hourly rate provides a substantial income opportunity for those working in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and specialized facilities such as orthopedic on-site rooms and research labs. For part-time workers, maintaining a schedule of three days a week can lead to a solid income, while per-diem positions offer flexibility and additional earning potential. The hourly wage can vary greatly depending on experience, with entry-level technologists starting around $43.61, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $81.51 per hour, reflecting their advanced skills and specialization in areas like cardiac MRI.
About the Tumwater 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) | $43.61 | $348.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.28 | $426.25 |
| Median (P50) | $60.80 | $486.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.98 | $519.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.51 | $652.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tumwater
Based on $60.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.80/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tumwater, WA can expect to earn approximately $126,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,962. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tumwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tumwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,432.07 | $10,539 | $126,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,459.24 | $6,323 | $75,881 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $972.83 | $4,216 | $50,587 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Tumwater) | $60.80 |
| 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 Tumwater, WA earn a median of $126,459 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.10% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 17.40% above the Washington state average of $107,717.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.80/hr = $75,881/year (purchasing power: $70,652).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,468/year (purchasing power: $117,754).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tumwater grew 30.1% from $44.51/hr (2019) to $57.89/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.86/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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater
Earnings vary significantly depending on employment type and work arrangements for MRI technologists in Tumwater, making the profession attractive for a range of lifestyles. A technologist working part-time, typically for 24 hours a week, can anticipate an annual take-home income of approximately $78,323, allowing for a respectable quality of life. Per diem roles, often offering $55 to $85 per hour, can also enhance income volatility, especially with cardiac MRI specialists demanding $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts for MRI techs can yield even higher earnings, with weekly payments ranging from $2,200 to $3,400. The benefits of full-time positions, like health insurance, often lead some professionals to accept lower hourly rates, balancing immediate pay against long-term stability. For those seeking to negotiate pay in Tumwater, emphasizing specific skills and certifications such as cardiac MRI or familiarity with advanced 3T scanners can be crucial in securing a favorable rate.
More salary data for Tumwater, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tumwater in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Tumwater?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tumwater paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Tumwater?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Tumwater?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Tumwater. 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 Tumwater 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