Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Wheeling, WV: $39.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Wheeling, WV runs $39.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,630 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,573 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheeling, West Virginia, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $39.72, significantly lower than the national median of $48.21. This rate reflects the local economic landscape and is crucial for both full-time employees and those working part-time or per-diem. Individuals in this role typically find themselves in various environments, including hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers, often operating 1.5T and 3T machines. The hourly wage varies widely, with entry-level technologists earning approximately $30.12 and experienced professionals reaching up to $51.08. For those working a part-time schedule of three days a week, the opportunity exists to balance work and personal life while still enjoying a steady income.
About the Wheeling 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) | $30.12 | $240.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.39 | $275.09 |
| Median (P50) | $39.72 | $317.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.57 | $348.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.08 | $408.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $39.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.72/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, WV can expect to earn approximately $82,622 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,667. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,588.89 | $6,885 | $82,622 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $953.34 | $4,131 | $49,573 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $635.56 | $2,754 | $33,049 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Wheeling) | $39.72 |
| 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 Wheeling, WV earn a median of $82,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.60% lower than the national median of $100,283 and 4.70% below the West Virginia state average of $86,705.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.72/hr = $49,573/year (purchasing power: $57,310).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,622/year (purchasing power: $95,517).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wheeling grew 30.1% from $29.08/hr (2019) to $37.82/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.72/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
Considering part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Wheeling working 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $49,602 annually, which is significantly less than full-time earnings. Per diem roles present a different financial picture; billable rates for these technicians can range from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI techs commanding up to $110. The variance in hourly rates across employment types is notable, with hospital imaging departments typically offering lower rates due to benefits packages. In contrast, outpatient centers or mobile MRI services may provide more lucrative opportunities but without the security of traditional benefits. Technologists must weigh these options carefully, often negotiating based on their need for health insurance versus higher hourly wages. In Wheeling, practical negotiation strategies could involve discussing potential shifts, skill specializations, or certifications like MRSO to enhance earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Wheeling, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Wheeling in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Wheeling?
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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 Wheeling. 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 Wheeling 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