Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Compton, CA: $61.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Compton, CA runs $61.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,035 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Compton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,824 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Compton, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median hourly pay of $61.56, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This elevated compensation reflects the specialized skills required for operation in varied environments, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For part-time professionals working three days a week, typically totaling 24 hours, the hourly rate means a substantial weekly income, providing an attractive option for those balancing work with other commitments. The hourly range for this career spans from $42.16 at the entry-level to around $79.94 for highly experienced technologists, illustrating the potential for lucrative earnings depending on experience and location within the field.
About the Compton 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) | $42.16 | $337.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.83 | $430.62 |
| Median (P50) | $61.56 | $492.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.54 | $540.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.94 | $639.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Compton
Based on $61.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.56/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Compton, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,041 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,870. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Compton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Compton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,462.32 | $10,670 | $128,041 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,477.39 | $6,402 | $76,824 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.93 | $4,268 | $51,216 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Compton) | $61.56 |
| 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 Compton, CA earn a median of $128,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.67% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.00% below the California state average of $129,328.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.56/hr = $76,824/year (purchasing power: $67,926).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,041/year (purchasing power: $113,210).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Compton grew 30.1% from $45.06/hr (2019) to $58.61/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.65/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 Compton 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 Compton
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists considering part-time roles in Compton, the annual take-home from a 24-hour work week could differ significantly from full-time wages. While part-timers may earn a consistent income, per-diem techs often see higher hourly earnings, frequently billing between $55 and $85 depending on the facility and service required, with cardiac MRI assignments bringing in even more, at $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts can command impressive weekly rates between $2,200 and $3,400, which contributes to the decision many technologists face: whether to accept lower hourly rates for positions with benefits or to pursue higher pay without health insurance. Variability in rates also depends on the employer type; hospitals might offer different compensation packages compared to outpatient imaging centers or travel agencies, prompting negotiations that could lead to better financial outcomes. Familiarity with local industry standards and the ability to articulate one's value will aid in those discussions.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Compton. 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 Compton 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