Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Bakersfield, CA: $49.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Bakersfield, CA runs $49.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,507 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Bakersfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,104 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bakersfield, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist reaches a median of $49.76, outpacing the national median of $48.21. This competitive rate is particularly beneficial for those seeking part-time positions, as a technologist working three days a week would typically generate substantial income without the commitment of a full-time schedule. Part-time and per-diem workers can expect to earn between $34.79 for entry-level roles to $66.87 for more experienced personnel across various settings, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data provides these insights, making it clear that this profession not only offers robust compensation but also flexibility in work arrangements, making it a favorable choice in the Bakersfield area.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.79 | $278.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.81 | $334.50 |
| Median (P50) | $49.76 | $398.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.98 | $519.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.87 | $534.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bakersfield
Based on $49.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.76/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bakersfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $103,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,716. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bakersfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bakersfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,990.53 | $8,626 | $103,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,194.32 | $5,175 | $62,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $796.21 | $3,450 | $41,403 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Bakersfield) | $49.76 |
| 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 Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $103,507 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 19.90% below the California state average of $129,222.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.76/hr = $62,104/year (purchasing power: $61,559).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,507/year (purchasing power: $102,598).
CoL index: 100.886 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bakersfield grew 34.0% from $35.36/hr (2019) to $47.38/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.27/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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield
Consider the earning potential of a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week—compared to their full-time counterparts, they may take home a unique income shaped by their professional settings. For per-diem roles, acceptance of contracts can lead to hourly rates between $55 and $85, with specialized roles like cardiac MRI elevating earnings even further, hitting rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Travel MRI technologists may see weekly contracts ranging from $2,200 to $3,400, particularly for those specializing in cardiac imaging. The Bakersfield market reflects variability in hourly rates, influenced by employer types such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and orthopedic practices. Some technologists might prefer lower hourly wages tied to job security and benefits, while others opt for higher pay without health insurance. Negotiating hourly rates is essential in this professional environment, with awareness of local compensation trends aiding in discussions that can favorably impact a technologist’s overall income.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bakersfield in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Bakersfield?
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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 Bakersfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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