Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in El Monte, CA: $63.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in El Monte, CA runs $63.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,637 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against El Monte's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,577 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Monte, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median hourly pay of $63.76, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.21. This favorable rate creates various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers who might typically schedule shifts in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile units. Entry-level professionals can earn around $44.43 per hour, while more experienced technologists may command as much as $86.64 per hour, depending on their practice setting and specialization. The hourly earnings correlate to the annual salary data, translating into a lucrative prospect within the growing specialty of MRI technology in the region.
About the El Monte 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) | $44.43 | $355.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.60 | $420.79 |
| Median (P50) | $63.76 | $510.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.82 | $574.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.64 | $693.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Monte
Based on $63.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.76/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Monte, CA can expect to earn approximately $132,629 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,516. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Monte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Monte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,550.55 | $11,052 | $132,629 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,530.33 | $6,631 | $79,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,020.22 | $4,421 | $53,051 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (El Monte) | $63.76 |
| 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 El Monte, CA earn a median of $132,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.26% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.60% above the California state average of $129,276.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.76/hr = $79,577/year (purchasing power: $70,360).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,629/year (purchasing power: $117,267).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in El Monte grew 30.1% from $46.68/hr (2019) to $60.71/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.97/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 El Monte 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 El Monte
With a 24-hour workweek, a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist could anticipate an annual income considerably lower than that of a full-time counterpart, but still respectable given the $63.76 hourly wage. For instance, a worker in this role might take home about $79,000 annually while balancing commitments outside work. Per-diem positions also offer flexibility but can vary widely in rates, with MRI techs billing between $55 and $85 per hour. For those specializing in cardiac MRI, the rate can rise between $75 and $110. Compensation for travel contracts may range from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, enticing some techs to forego local employment for these lucrative contracts. The choice between higher hourly pay without benefits and a stable salary with health insurance is crucial. Understanding the employer type—be it hospitals, outpatient centers, or mobile MRI agencies—further affects earnings. Negotiating effectively can mean the difference between choosing a position that offers stability or fluctuating pay within El Monte's MRI tech job market.
More salary data for El Monte, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in El Monte in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in El Monte?
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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 El Monte. 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 El Monte 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