Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in South Charleston, WV: $39.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in South Charleston, WV runs $39.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,096 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against South Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,862 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Charleston, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is set at a median of $39.95, notably lower than the national median of $48.21. This discrepancy may influence the choices of part-time and per-diem workers, who typically operate in diverse settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and even mobile MRI trailers. For those working three days a week, the pay translates into a steady income while allowing flexibility, catering well to technologists pursuing additional certifications or part-time commitments elsewhere. Entry-level positions can expect around $30.42 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $48.89 in high-demand roles. These estimates are based on annual salary data adjusted for hourly work, reflecting the localized demands faced by MRI technologists in this region of West Virginia.
About the South 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) | $30.42 | $243.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.48 | $275.85 |
| Median (P50) | $39.95 | $319.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.50 | $339.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.89 | $391.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Charleston
Based on $39.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.95/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $83,103 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,944. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,598.14 | $6,925 | $83,103 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $958.88 | $4,155 | $49,862 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $639.25 | $2,770 | $33,241 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (South Charleston) | $39.95 |
| 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 South Charleston, WV earn a median of $83,096 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.14% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.20% below the West Virginia state average of $86,739.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.95/hr = $49,862/year (purchasing power: $57,644).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,103/year (purchasing power: $96,073).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in South Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Charleston grew 30.1% from $29.25/hr (2019) to $38.04/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.96/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 South 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 South Charleston
The appeal of per-diem work often comes with higher hourly rates, and in South Charleston, those rates can range from $55 to $85 for standard MRI procedures, with specialties like cardiac MRI fetching between $75 and $110 per hour. For a magnetic resonance imaging technologist operating on a part-time basis—approximately 24 hours a week—the take-home pay can greatly vary compared to full-time colleagues, potentially leading to annual earnings significantly lower than the full-time average. Travel MRI tech contracts generally offer lucrative options, often ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week, presenting an attractive alternative for experienced technologists. Hospital settings, outpatient centers, and mobile services each provide different wage scales, with many technologists negotiating trade-offs between comprehensive benefits and higher hourly rates without health insurance. Understanding local employer standards and leveraging industry certification pathways can aid in achieving optimal pay rates in the competitive landscape of MRI technologist jobs in South Charleston, WV.
More salary data for South Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in South Charleston?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in South Charleston?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in South 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 South 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 South 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