Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Chula Vista, CA: $62.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Chula Vista, CA runs $62.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,421 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Chula Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,650 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chula Vista, California, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $62.22, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This competitive pay structure positions MRI technologists well above the national average, reflecting the expertise required in this specialized field. For professionals working part-time—say, three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a solid income while allowing for a work-life balance, as part-time roles are common in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI settings. Moreover, the hourly wage range spans from $40.47 at the entry level up to $85.11 for highly experienced technologists, highlighting the potential for growth within this profession in Chula Vista.
About the Chula Vista 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) | $40.47 | $323.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.16 | $425.25 |
| Median (P50) | $62.22 | $497.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.97 | $559.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.11 | $680.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chula Vista
Based on $62.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.22/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chula Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,417 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,664. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chula Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chula Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,488.79 | $10,785 | $129,417 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,493.27 | $6,471 | $77,650 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $995.52 | $4,314 | $51,767 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chula Vista) | $62.22 |
| 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 Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $129,421 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.06% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.10% above the California state average of $129,292.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.22/hr = $77,650/year (purchasing power: $68,656).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,417/year (purchasing power: $114,427).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chula Vista grew 30.1% from $45.55/hr (2019) to $59.24/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.35/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 Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista
Examining the earnings of a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist who works 24 hours a week reveals an annual income of about $77,703, which remains competitive. Per-diem opportunities present another attractive aspect for professionals in this field; it's not unusual for per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chula Vista to secure pay rates between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized roles such as cardiac MRI achieving even higher rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Additionally, positions across various employer types—such as hospitals, outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and mobile MRI companies—can influence compensation levels, with travel MRI technologist contracts yielding between $2,200 and $3,400 per week. However, technologists often face a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits versus more stable employment with health insurance. Negotiating for better compensation can be crucial in Chula Vista's competitive job market, especially for those seeking to balance hourly income with essential benefits.
More salary data for Chula Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chula Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Chula Vista?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chula Vista paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Chula Vista?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Chula Vista?
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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 Chula Vista. 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 Chula Vista 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