Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $62.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Chico, CA runs $62.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,336 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,598 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chico, California, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $62.18, significantly above the national hourly median of $48.21. This considerable difference may be beneficial for both part-time and per-diem professionals working in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and even mobile MRI trailers. For those employed part-time at three days a week, this rate translates into a stable income while allowing flexibility in scheduling. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn approximately $45.67 per hour, while more experienced specialists may reach up to $85.15 per hour, aligning with the higher demands for advanced imaging techniques like cardiac MRI and other subspecialties that are rapidly growing in prominence.
About the Chico 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) | $45.67 | $365.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.11 | $424.91 |
| Median (P50) | $62.18 | $497.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.57 | $564.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.15 | $681.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $62.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.18/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,330 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,613. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,487.11 | $10,777 | $129,330 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,492.27 | $6,466 | $77,598 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $994.84 | $4,311 | $51,732 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chico) | $62.18 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $129,336 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.97% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.10% above the California state average of $129,207.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.18/hr = $77,598/year (purchasing power: $68,610).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,330/year (purchasing power: $114,350).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chico grew 40.7% from $42.08/hr (2019) to $59.20/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.31/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 Chico 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 Chico
Shifting to part-time employment, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $77,883 annually, compared to full-time earnings. Per-diem and agency roles present another avenue, with MRI techs billing between $55 and $85 per hour, while cardiac MRI specialists might charge $75 to $110 hourly. Travel contracts also generate appealing earnings, ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly for MRI techs, particularly in high-demand areas. Various workplaces in Chico, such as hospital imaging departments and freestanding outpatient centers, can influence these rates; for example, while some technologists might choose positions with lower pay but comprehensive benefits, others might prefer higher hourly wages without the security of health insurance. For those negotiating their rates, understanding the local job market and employer types is crucial in ensuring competitive compensation tailored to their skill set and career aspirations.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Chico?
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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 Chico. 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 Chico 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