Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $62.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $62.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,890 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,939 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Costa Mesa, the median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $62.45 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $48.21. This favorable hourly rate allows for a robust earning potential, especially for those considering part-time or per-diem work, common in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile facilities. With an hourly range from $44.55 for entry-level positions to $86.22 for top earners, professionals in this field can enjoy flexible work schedules while benefiting from competitive compensation. Such hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the lucrative nature of this specialized field.
About the Costa Mesa 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) | $44.55 | $356.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.30 | $418.44 |
| Median (P50) | $62.45 | $499.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.14 | $569.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.22 | $689.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $62.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.45/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,898 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,941. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,498.03 | $10,825 | $129,898 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,498.82 | $6,495 | $77,939 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $999.21 | $4,330 | $51,959 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Costa Mesa) | $62.45 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $129,890 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.52% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.50% above the California state average of $129,243.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.45/hr = $77,939/year (purchasing power: $68,911).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,898/year (purchasing power: $114,852).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Costa Mesa grew 30.1% from $45.72/hr (2019) to $59.46/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.59/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
For technologists working part-time, specifically three days a week, or 24 hours annually, the earnings can efficiently translate into a stable income without the full-time commitment. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Costa Mesa typically ranges between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI roles commanding even higher rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Moreover, travel contracts for MRI techs can yield weekly pay ranging from $2,200 to $3,400, further illustrating the diverse opportunities available. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer, such as hospital imaging departments or outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed. As some technologists weigh their options, they might choose to accept a slightly lower hourly rate in exchange for health benefits in a full-time position. When negotiating salaries, especially in a competitive market like Costa Mesa, it’s prudent for MRI technologists to research the prevailing rates and advocate for fair compensation based on their specific skills, such as cardiac MRI training or proficiency in high-field scanners.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Costa Mesa?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Costa Mesa?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Costa Mesa?
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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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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