Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Chino Hills, CA: $62.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Chino Hills, CA runs $62.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,509 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Chino Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,703 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Chino Hills, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median hourly rate of $62.26, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This elevated hourly pay reflects the growing demand for this specialized field, especially across various healthcare settings including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For professionals working three days a week, typically totaling around 24 hours, the financial returns can be substantial. Entry-level technologists may earn closer to $43.79 per hour, while experienced techs reach up to $82.28. The competitive hourly range highlights the importance of expertise in advanced modalities, including 1.5T and 3T systems, which are common in facilities throughout the area.
About the Chino Hills 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) | $43.79 | $350.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.58 | $412.64 |
| Median (P50) | $62.26 | $498.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.18 | $553.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.28 | $658.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chino Hills
Based on $62.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.26/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chino Hills, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,505 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,714. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chino Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chino Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,490.47 | $10,792 | $129,505 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,494.28 | $6,475 | $77,703 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $996.19 | $4,317 | $51,802 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chino Hills) | $62.26 |
| 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 Chino Hills, CA earn a median of $129,509 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.14% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.20% above the California state average of $129,251.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.26/hr = $77,703/year (purchasing power: $68,703).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,505/year (purchasing power: $114,504).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chino Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chino Hills grew 30.1% from $45.58/hr (2019) to $59.28/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.39/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 Chino Hills 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 Chino Hills
When considering part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week would earn approximately $77,000 annually, a considerable income compared to full-time options. Per diem or contract opportunities further diversify earning potential; these positions generally pay between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists able to command even more due to the niche expertise required. Different employer types in Chino Hills, such as academic hospitals and mobile imaging units, may offer varied hourly rates, reflecting their specific operational costs and benefits packages. Therefore, many technologists find themselves balancing the trade-offs between higher hourly pay without benefits versus lower rates that include comprehensive health care. To negotiate effectively, it’s advisable for hourly workers to highlight specialized skills and certifications, particularly in emerging fields like cardiac MRI, which continues to show significant growth and demand.
More salary data for Chino Hills, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chino Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Chino Hills?
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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 Chino Hills. 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 Chino Hills 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