How Much Does an MRI Tech Make in West Virginia in 2026?

A typical MRI Tech in West Virginia earns about $38.70 per hour, or $80,490 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $6,708 a month. On a weekly basis, pay comes to about $1,548, calculated from the annual figure. These numbers reflect what a typical MRI Tech earns across the state, before factoring in experience or location within West Virginia.

West Virginia's typical pay runs 16% below the national figure of $95,480 a year for MRI Techs, according to the same May 2025 data. That gap places the state 45th out of 51 states and territories ranked. The state employs about 190 MRI Techs, compared with 43,390 nationwide, a small workforce by comparison. Lower pay in West Virginia generally tracks the state's lower cost of living.

Entry-level positions in West Virginia typically offer around $31.44 an hour, or about $65,390 a year, according to May 2025 wage data. That figure reflects workers who are new to the role or just starting out in a facility. Pay typically moves toward the statewide figure of $80,490 a year within a few years of experience. Setting and location within the state also play a role early on.

Experienced MRI Techs in West Virginia often earn upwards of $45.63 an hour, or about $94,910 a year. The top 10% of earners make over $97,840 a year. That leaves a spread of $32,450 between entry-level and top pay in the state. The gap tends to reflect years on the job, the type of facility, and which city a tech works in.

West Virginia's typical MRI Tech pay rose from $60,730 in 2015 to $80,490 in 2025, a gain of $19,760. That amounts to a 33% increase over the decade, according to government wage data. The rise came in gradual steps rather than a single jump, including a dip in 2022 before pay recovered. By 2025, pay had settled at its current level after several years of adjustment.

Nationally, MRI Tech pay rose 41% over the same decade, a faster pace than West Virginia's gain. The state's rise was smaller in percentage terms but still added nearly $20,000 to typical yearly pay. For someone starting an MRI Tech career in West Virginia now, the decade of data shows pay has moved up over time, though future gains are not guaranteed.

Huntington is the only West Virginia metro area with separately published MRI Tech pay, and its figure also tops the state, at $89,010 a year, or $42.79 an hour. That runs about 11% higher than the statewide figure of $80,490. This number covers the full Huntington metro area, not just the city itself. With only one metro area reported, it stands as the clearest local benchmark for MRI Tech pay in West Virginia.

Because Huntington is the only West Virginia area with separately reported figures, pay for MRI Techs is fairly uniform across the rest of the state, rather than varying widely by city. Huntington also holds the largest MRI Tech workforce reported in West Virginia, with about 60 workers in the role. Areas with higher pay, like Huntington, often carry a higher cost of living to match.

West Virginia trails every neighboring state in MRI Tech pay. Maryland pays the most, at $105,230 a year (31% higher), followed by Virginia at $98,640 (23% higher), Pennsylvania at $91,120 (13% higher), Ohio at $87,670 (9% higher), and Kentucky at $82,200, just 2% higher. MRI Tech licensure or registry credentials earned in West Virginia can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby state, though requirements vary.

MRI Techs in West Virginia typically earn $80,490 a year, or $38.70 an hour, as of May 2025. That figure has climbed 33% over the past decade, adding nearly $20,000 to typical yearly pay since 2015. For details on becoming licensed or registered in West Virginia, check the state's licensing and registry requirements. For pay in a specific area, the Huntington city page offers a closer local look.