Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Walla Walla, WA: $49.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Walla Walla, WA runs $49.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,237 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Walla Walla's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,344 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Walla Walla, the hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to reach a median of $49.15 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $48.21. This competitive pay is particularly beneficial for part-time and per-diem workers, allowing individuals who work three days a week to earn a respectable income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem roles in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units typically come with hourly rates that can vary widely, reflecting the demand for specialists. The range of hourly pay from approximately $37.03 at entry-level positions to $62.86 at the highest earning tier highlights the opportunities within this field, where expertise in 3T and mobile MRI settings can significantly enhance earning potential.
About the Walla Walla 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) | $37.03 | $296.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.34 | $338.70 |
| Median (P50) | $49.15 | $393.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.73 | $429.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.86 | $502.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Walla Walla
Based on $49.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.15/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Walla Walla, WA can expect to earn approximately $102,240 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,985. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Walla Walla.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Walla Walla
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,966.16 | $8,520 | $102,240 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,179.70 | $5,112 | $61,344 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $786.46 | $3,408 | $40,896 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Walla Walla) | $49.15 |
| 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 Walla Walla, WA earn a median of $102,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.95% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 5.10% below the Washington state average of $107,732.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.15/hr = $61,344/year (purchasing power: $57,118).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,240/year (purchasing power: $95,196).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Walla Walla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Walla Walla grew 30.1% from $35.98/hr (2019) to $46.80/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.63/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 Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla
For those considering a part-time schedule, working as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist for just three days a week—roughly 24 hours—can still yield a substantial income compared to full-time positions. Annual earnings from part-time work can effectively complement other income streams. Per-diem employees, often earning between $55 to $85, can find lucrative opportunities, especially in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI, where rates can climb even higher. Different employer types, ranging from hospitals and outpatient centers to mobile services, play a critical role in determining pay scales. While some technologists may opt for positions with lower hourly wages for the sake of job security and benefits, others prefer higher rates that come without benefits. For those working in Walla Walla, effectively negotiating for pay is essential; understanding local pay standards and being clear about one’s qualifications can lead to better offers, particularly in a market where specialty skills, such as those required for cardiac and mpMRI, are increasingly in demand.
More salary data for Walla Walla, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Walla Walla in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Walla Walla?
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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 Walla Walla. 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 Walla Walla 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