Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Downey, CA: $62.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Downey, CA runs $62.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,893 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Downey's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,542 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $62.93/hr, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21/hr. This difference illustrates the demand for MRI specialists in the local healthcare market, especially in diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI services. For those working part-time or in per-diem roles, this attractive pay translates into substantial earnings even with reduced hours; a typical part-time schedule of three days a week can yield a comfortable income. Entry-level technologists might start at about $42.26/hr, while seasoned professionals can command as much as $87.87/hr, reflecting the varied skill levels and the complexity of the environments they work in. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, maintain a focus on evolving technology and the rising standardization of 3T MRI scanners across facilities.
About the Downey 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) | $42.26 | $338.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.28 | $426.25 |
| Median (P50) | $62.93 | $503.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.27 | $578.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.87 | $702.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downey
Based on $62.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.93/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downey, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,903 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,521. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Downey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,517.36 | $10,909 | $130,903 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,510.42 | $6,545 | $78,542 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,006.94 | $4,363 | $52,361 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Downey) | $62.93 |
| 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 Downey, CA earn a median of $130,893 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.52% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.30% above the California state average of $129,213.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.93/hr = $78,542/year (purchasing power: $69,444).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,903/year (purchasing power: $115,741).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Downey grew 30.1% from $46.07/hr (2019) to $59.92/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.10/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 Downey 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 Downey
Exploring part-time opportunities, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working just three days a week for a total of 24 hours could earn around $78,390 annually based on the median pay. This income allows for a reasonable standard of living in California, which often faces higher costs associated with housing and transportation. Per-diem roles, including agency positions, can range from $55 to $85/hr for general MRI work, with cardiac MRI specialists often seeing rates between $75 and $110/hr. Some travel MRI contracts promise earnings between $2,200 and $3,400 per week, especially appealing to those in the cardiac specialty, showcasing the premium associated with these in-demand skills. In Downey, pay rates can also differ based on the type of employer, with hospital settings likely offering comprehensive benefits for a slightly lower hourly wage, while mobile companies may provide higher pay but lack health insurance. In negotiations, technologists should consider the trade-offs between hourly pay rates and the value of benefits, particularly heath insurance coverage, which can be crucial for individuals who rely on consistent income and benefits.
More salary data for Downey, 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 Downey. 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 Downey 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