Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $50.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in University Place, WA runs $50.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,376 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In University Place, Washington, the hourly compensation for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist sits at a median of $50.78, exceeding the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This competitive pay reflects the specialized expertise required in MRI technology, which often includes operating both 1.5T and 3T scanners. Part-time workers who commit to a three-day-per-week schedule can expect to earn approximately $48,000 annually, providing a solid foundation for part-time job seekers. The range of hourly rates varies significantly, from around $36.79 for entry-level positions to as much as $68.13 for experienced technologists or those in high-demand roles within hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile MRI units. These figures are derived from annual salary projections, indicating a stable future outlook for professionals in this field.
About the University Place 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) | $36.79 | $294.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.65 | $341.22 |
| Median (P50) | $50.78 | $406.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.46 | $435.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.13 | $545.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $50.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.78/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $105,627 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,938. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,031.28 | $8,802 | $105,627 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,218.77 | $5,281 | $63,376 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $812.51 | $3,521 | $42,251 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (University Place) | $50.78 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $105,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $107,668.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.78/hr = $63,376/year (purchasing power: $59,009).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,627/year (purchasing power: $98,349).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in University Place grew 30.1% from $37.17/hr (2019) to $48.35/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.34/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 University Place 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 University Place
When considering the earnings potential for part-time versus full-time roles, the disparity in income can be significant for magnetic resonance imaging technologists. For those opting for part-time positions at 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can be considerably lower compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem roles are increasingly appealing, often providing higher hourly rates ranging from $55 to $85, with specialized cardiac MRI technologists sometimes commanding between $75 and $110 per hour. Travel contracts can further elevate earnings, with weekly pay estimated between $2,200 and $3,400, especially for cardiac MRI positions. The types of employers in University Place, including hospitals, outpatient centers like RadNet, and mobile services, create variation in pay due to the nature of their operations. Many MRI technologists weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly pay without benefits, making the decision to negotiate for optimal compensation based on individual circumstances. As the demand for specialized services grows, particularly in cardiac and prostate mpMRI, the ability to negotiate salary with local employers remains a valuable skill in this evolving profession.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in University Place in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in University Place?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in University Place paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in University Place?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in University Place?
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 University Place. 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 University Place 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