How Much Does an MRI Tech Make in South Carolina in 2026?

A typical MRI Tech in South Carolina earns about $40.17 per hour, or $83,550 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $6,962 a month, or about $1,607 a week, based on the annual figure. Pay across the state clusters fairly close to that figure, with most MRI Techs earning within a similar range regardless of employer type.

South Carolina's typical pay sits 12% below the national figure of $95,480 a year, a gap that places the state 38th out of 51 states and territories on typical MRI Tech pay. About 730 MRI Techs work across South Carolina, a modest workforce that reflects the state's imaging job base. The gap generally tracks a lower cost of living compared with higher-paying states.

Entry-level positions in South Carolina typically offer around $31.72 an hour, or about $65,980 a year, for MRI Techs just starting out. That figure sits well below the state's typical pay, reflecting the learning curve of a new technologist. Within a few years, pay tends to climb toward the state's typical figure of $83,550 as techs gain experience and take on more complex scans.

Experienced MRI Techs in South Carolina often earn upwards of $44.93 an hour, or about $93,450 a year, as they take on senior roles or specialized imaging work. The top 10% of earners make over $96,230 a year, a spread of $30,250 between entry-level and top pay. Setting, years of experience, and location within the state all play into where an individual tech lands in that range.

South Carolina MRI Tech pay has risen steadily over the past decade, climbing from $59,420 in 2015 to $83,550 in 2025. That's a gain of $24,130, or 41%, over ten years. The increase has been fairly consistent year over year, with only a slight dip in 2024 before resuming its climb.

That 41% rise matches the national decade increase of 41%, meaning South Carolina's pay has kept pace with the rest of the country rather than falling behind. Someone starting out today enters a market where pay has already climbed well past 2015 levels. For someone entering the field now, that history shows pay has moved up substantially over time, though nothing about future increases is guaranteed.

Pay runs highest in Concord, where MRI Techs typically earn $90,930 a year, about 9% above the state figure. Greer, Greenville, and Anderson follow close behind at $86,370 a year, and Columbia isn't far off at $85,560. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

Richmond County pays the least among South Carolina's metro areas, with typical pay at $82,200 a year, putting the spread between the highest- and lowest-paying areas at $8,730. Concord also has the largest MRI Tech workforce among the state's metro areas, with 280 workers reported. Higher pay in a given metro area often lines up with a higher cost of living there.

South Carolina's neighbors pay somewhat differently. Georgia offers higher pay, with MRI Techs typically earning $92,060 a year, about 10% above South Carolina's figure. North Carolina runs closer, at $85,120 a year, about 2% higher. MRI Tech licensure earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, which can make crossing state lines for higher pay a realistic option for some technologists.

MRI Techs in South Carolina typically earn $83,550 a year, or $40.17 an hour, a figure that has climbed 41% over the past decade. Pay varies by city and experience level within the state, from entry-level positions near $65,980 to top earners above $96,230. Readers considering the field should check South Carolina's licensing or registry requirements and review city-specific pages for local pay figures before deciding where to work.