Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $62.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Berkeley, CA runs $62.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,754 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,847 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists enjoy a competitive hourly rate of $62.38, which significantly exceeds the national median of $48.21. This attractive compensation is particularly beneficial for part-time and per-diem workers who may operate in diverse settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and specialized facilities like breast imaging centers. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings, ranging from the lower spectrum of $45.94 for entry-level positions to top earners making $81.95. It's noteworthy that these hourly rates derive from annual salary estimates, providing an essential picture of the financial landscape for MRI technologists in the area.
About the Berkeley 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) | $45.94 | $367.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.52 | $428.19 |
| Median (P50) | $62.38 | $499.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.58 | $548.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.95 | $655.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $62.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.38/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,745 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,853. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,495.09 | $10,812 | $129,745 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,497.06 | $6,487 | $77,847 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $998.04 | $4,325 | $51,898 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Berkeley) | $62.38 |
| 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 Berkeley, CA earn a median of $129,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.39% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.40% above the California state average of $129,237.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.38/hr = $77,847/year (purchasing power: $68,830).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,745/year (purchasing power: $114,717).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Berkeley grew 30.1% from $45.66/hr (2019) to $59.39/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.51/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
The potential annual income for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours weekly at this hourly rate can be markedly higher than average. A full-time equivalent would generally earn more, but part-time workers also find viable opportunities within the local market, with per-diem MRI techs billing anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour. More specialized roles, particularly in cardiac MRI, can see rates reach between $75 and $110 per hour, while travel contracts generally fetch between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly. Various factors, including employer type, influence compensation rates in Berkeley; those in hospital imaging departments typically earn more than those in outpatient settings. Additionally, some technologists may prefer lower-paying jobs with health benefits as a trade-off compared to higher hourly rates without insurance. For those pursuing hourly positions, effective negotiation strategies can be crucial, especially in a competitive market like Berkeley, where demand for specialized MRI skills is growing.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Berkeley in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Berkeley?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Berkeley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Berkeley?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Berkeley?
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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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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