Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, CA: $61.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Carlsbad, CA runs $61.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,190 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,916 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carlsbad, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists command a competitive hourly median rate of $61.63, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This pay translates well for individuals considering alternative work arrangements, such as part-time roles or per-diem opportunities within hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile MRI services. A part-time technologist working three days a week can still earn a respectable income, as the hourly pay range varies from $45.17 for entry-level positions to $84.69 for top earners in specialty practices, including cardiac MRI and research labs. Hourly rates in this profession are derived from annual salary projections, reflecting the high demand for MRI expertise in various healthcare settings, including orthopedic and neuroscience institutes.
About the Carlsbad 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) | $45.17 | $361.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.39 | $411.13 |
| Median (P50) | $61.63 | $493.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.97 | $559.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.69 | $677.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $61.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.63/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,194 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,958. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,465.26 | $10,683 | $128,194 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,479.16 | $6,410 | $76,916 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $986.11 | $4,273 | $51,277 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Carlsbad) | $61.63 |
| 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 Carlsbad, CA earn a median of $128,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.83% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the California state average of $129,224.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.63/hr = $76,916/year (purchasing power: $68,007).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,194/year (purchasing power: $113,345).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carlsbad grew 30.1% from $45.12/hr (2019) to $58.68/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.73/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
For those contemplating part-time or per-diem work, the earning potential remains promising. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week can expect to earn up to $76,383 annually, while per-diem professionals often bill between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI positions commanding rates as high as $110. Travel contracts add even more appeal, with weekly pay ranging from $2,200 to $3,400. Hourly rates differ across types of employers in Carlsbad, with hospitals and outpatient centers typically offering more stable employment but potentially lower pay compared to independent contracting. Additionally, the trade-off between pay and benefits is a crucial consideration; many technologists might opt for a lower hourly rate that includes health insurance rather than higher rates that do not. Negotiating effectively is vital for hourly workers, as balancing salary expectations with job flexibility can lead to more favorable outcomes for those working in this dynamic and growing field.
More salary data for Carlsbad, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carlsbad in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Carlsbad?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carlsbad paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Carlsbad?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Carlsbad?
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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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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