How Much Does an MRI Tech Make in Chesapeake, VA in 2026?
Typical pay for MRI Techs in Chesapeake, from federal wage data (May 2024), with the ten-year trend and how the city compares across Virginia.
BLS OES May 2024 · Chesapeake
A typical MRI Tech in Chesapeake, Virginia earns $44.39 per hour, or $92,320 per year, according to the latest government wage data for the area (May 2024). Calculated from the annual figure, that is roughly $7,693 a month. Entry-level positions typically offer around $74,250, and the top 10% of earners make over $96,830.
That pay is 6% below the Virginia figure of $98,640 and 3% below the national figure of $95,480. About 200 MRI Techs work in Chesapeake.
MRI Tech pay in Chesapeake at a glance
- Typical pay is $44.39 an hour, or $92,320 a year.
- That is 6% below the Virginia figure.
- Entry-level positions typically offer around $74,250; the top 10% make over $96,830.
BLS OES May 2024
How much does an MRI Tech make in Chesapeake?
Pay in Chesapeake runs from entry-level positions at around $35.70 an hour to more than $46.56 for the top 10% of earners. The table sets each career stage against the Virginia and national figures.
MRI Tech pay by career stage in Chesapeake
| Career stage | Chesapeake | Virginia | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting out | $74,250$35.70 an hour | $78,400$37.69 an hour | $68,890$33.12 an hour |
| First years | $76,420$36.74 an hour | $85,770$41.24 an hour | $81,040$38.96 an hour |
| Typical MRI Tech | $92,320$44.39 an hour | $98,640$47.42 an hour | $95,480$45.91 an hour |
| Experienced | $96,160$46.23 an hour | $108,350$52.09 an hour | $106,340$51.12 an hour |
| Top 10% | $96,830$46.56 an hour | $121,940$58.63 an hour | $127,670$61.38 an hour |
BLS OES May 2024 (the latest vintage BLS published for this area; state and national columns are May 2025) · city figures cover Chesapeake as BLS defines it
How Chesapeake compares with other Virginia cities
Arlington pays MRI Techs the most in Virginia at $109,110 a year, $16,790 more than Chesapeake. The lowest-paying area in the state is Bristol at $74,910.
| # | City | Typical pay | Hourly | Vs Chesapeake | MRI Techs employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arlington | $109,110 | $52.46 | +18% | 810 |
| 2 | Richmond | $98,680 | $47.44 | +7% | 160 |
| 3 | Virginia Beach | $95,950 | $46.13 | +4% | 160 |
| 4 | Winchester | $82,900 | $39.86 | -10% | 40 |
| 5 | Bristol | $74,910 | $36.02 | -19% | 80 |
Every metro area in Virginia with MRI Tech wage data · BLS OES May 2025 · Virginia typical pay $98,640
Is Chesapeake a good place to work as an MRI Tech?
MRI Tech pay in Chesapeake sits close to the national figure: $92,320 a year, 3% below the national rate.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does an MRI Tech make in Chesapeake, VA?
- A typical MRI Tech in Chesapeake earns $92,320 a year, or $44.39 an hour, according to BLS wage data for May 2024. Entry-level pay runs about $74,250 and the top 10% earn over $96,830.
- How much does an MRI Tech make an hour in Chesapeake?
- Typical hourly pay for MRI Techs in Chesapeake is $44.39. Entry-level hourly pay runs about $35.70, and the top 10% earn over $46.56 an hour.
- What is the starting pay for an MRI Tech in Chesapeake?
- Entry-level MRI Tech positions in Chesapeake typically offer around $35.70 an hour, or $74,250 a year.
- Is MRI Tech pay in Chesapeake higher than in the rest of Virginia?
- Chesapeake pay is 6% below the Virginia figure of $98,640 a year. Arlington pays the most in Virginia at $109,110.