Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Alhambra, CA: $61.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Alhambra, CA runs $61.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,379 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Alhambra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,431 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alhambra, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $61.24, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $48.21. This advantageous hourly rate positions R.T. (MR) professionals favorably within various work settings, including critical hospital MRI suites, dedicated outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. For part-time practitioners working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, the potential earnings can be substantial, paving the way for a comfortable lifestyle while balancing work with personal commitments. Entry-level technologists may find themselves starting at $46.40 per hour, while those who excel in their specialty and gain experience can reach an impressive $82.95 per hour, making this career path financially appealing for aspiring MRI technologists in the Alhambra area.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.40 | $371.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.18 | $425.41 |
| Median (P50) | $61.24 | $489.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.78 | $534.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.95 | $663.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alhambra
Based on $61.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.24/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alhambra, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,385 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,492. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alhambra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alhambra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,449.72 | $10,615 | $127,385 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,469.83 | $6,369 | $76,431 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $979.89 | $4,246 | $50,954 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Alhambra) | $61.24 |
| 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 Alhambra, CA earn a median of $127,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.02% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.50% below the California state average of $129,319.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.24/hr = $76,431/year (purchasing power: $67,578).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,385/year (purchasing power: $112,631).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Alhambra grew 30.1% from $44.83/hr (2019) to $58.31/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.32/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 Alhambra 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 Alhambra
When considering part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week could bring in annual earnings of approximately $76,403, significantly less than full-time counterparts yet still competitive. The per diem landscape in Alhambra is also attractive, with per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, and more specialized cardiac MRI techs can see rates hitting $75 to $110. Travel MRI contracts vary widely, offering weekly compensation between $2,200 and $3,400, particularly enticing for those willing to double as locum tenens. The earning potential also varies across different types of employers, from hospitals to mobile MRI firms, affecting decisions for many technologists who must weigh premium hourly rates against the security of benefits typically received in hospital settings. In this market, negotiating for a better hourly rate can hinge on securing stipulations regarding shifts and necessary benefits, making clear communication essential for hourly workers in Alhambra.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Alhambra in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Alhambra?
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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 Alhambra. 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 Alhambra 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