Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Carson, CA: $60.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Carson, CA runs $60.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,693 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Carson's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,012 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carson, California, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a strong median of $60.91, significantly above the national average of $48.21. This competitive hourly rate translates into attractive compensation for both part-time and per-diem workers, allowing those in the field to earn a substantial income while working three days a week or selectively taking shifts at various facilities. The hourly pay range can vary notably from $45.63 for entry-level positions to an impressive $84.08 for the more experienced technologists. Facilities such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI operations are common settings where technologists can find job opportunities and earn these hourly wages, which are estimated from projected annual salary data.
About the Carson 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) | $45.63 | $365.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.50 | $420.04 |
| Median (P50) | $60.91 | $487.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.03 | $528.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.08 | $672.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carson
Based on $60.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.91/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carson, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,686 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,088. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,436.28 | $10,557 | $126,686 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,461.77 | $6,334 | $76,012 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $974.51 | $4,223 | $50,675 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Carson) | $60.91 |
| 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 Carson, CA earn a median of $126,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.34% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.00% below the California state average of $129,279.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.91/hr = $76,012/year (purchasing power: $67,208).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,686/year (purchasing power: $112,013).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carson grew 30.1% from $44.59/hr (2019) to $57.99/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.97/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 Carson 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 Carson
For a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time at 24 hours per week, the annual take-home pay could reach over $75,000, compared to full-time earnings, which elevate substantially. The per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Carson typically ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, depending on experience and demand; specialized roles, such as cardiac MRI techs, can command even higher rates between $75 and $110 per hour. Various employer types, including hospital imaging departments, freestanding centers, and travel agencies, offer distinct hourly compensation, impacting the decision-making of technologists who must weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiation strategies are also key; asking for higher compensation during interviews or exploring contract opportunities can lead to better pay. Understanding these dynamics can greatly enhance the financial prospects for MRI technologists in Carson, CA.
More salary data for Carson, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carson in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Carson?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Carson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Carson?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Carson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Carson. 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 Carson 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