Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Charleston, WV: $41.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Charleston, WV runs $41.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,410 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,251 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Charleston, WV, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is set at a median of $41.07, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.21. This wage reflects the unique job market in West Virginia, where professionals may find themselves working part-time in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. With entry-level positions starting around $29.85 and top earners potentially reaching $53.00 hourly, those in this profession can structure their work around flexible schedules that suit their personal needs. For part-time and per-diem positions, like those prevalent in Charleston's healthcare scene, the ability to balance work across three days a week offers an attractive pathway while catering to a growing need for skilled MRI technologists.
About the Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.85 | $238.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.69 | $277.53 |
| Median (P50) | $41.07 | $328.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.06 | $360.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.00 | $423.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $41.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.07/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $85,419 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,280. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,642.67 | $7,118 | $85,419 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $985.60 | $4,271 | $51,251 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $657.07 | $2,847 | $34,168 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Charleston) | $41.07 |
| 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 Charleston, WV earn a median of $85,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.83% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 1.50% below the West Virginia state average of $86,711.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.07/hr = $51,251/year (purchasing power: $59,250).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,419/year (purchasing power: $98,750).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Charleston grew 30.1% from $30.06/hr (2019) to $39.10/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.13/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
When examining the income potential of a magnetic resonance imaging technologist who works part-time, their effective hourly rate translates to a significant difference in annual earnings compared to full-time counterparts. A typical 24-hour week could yield an annual income near $51,000, while full-time would net closer to $95,000. For those opting for per-diem work, the landscape shifts dramatically; hourly billing rates can soar between $55 to $85, with specialized cardiac MRI roles demanding up to $110 per hour. The variability in pay rates among different employers, such as mobile MRI companies versus orthopedic surgery practices, highlights the need for technologists to negotiate effectively. Some may choose to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance benefits, while others may prioritize higher rates without benefits for personal financial goals. Understanding the nuances of payment structures and employing strategic negotiation techniques are vital for securing favorable hourly rates in Charleston’s evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Charleston?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Charleston?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Charleston?
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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 Charleston. 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 Charleston 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