Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CA: $64.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Fairfield, CA runs $64.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,970 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $64.08, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.21. This robust hourly wage reflects the advanced skill set and specialty required in this field, particularly in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. The profession offers a wide range of earnings, with entry-level technologists starting around $45.08 per hour and experienced professionals reaching up to $85.16 per hour at the high end of the scale. These figures indicate a healthy earning potential, making this a desirable career path in a region where the cost of living is above the national average.
About the Fairfield 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) | $45.08 | $360.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.23 | $425.83 |
| Median (P50) | $64.08 | $512.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.19 | $569.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.16 | $681.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $64.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.08/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $133,284 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,895. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,563.15 | $11,107 | $133,284 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,537.89 | $6,664 | $79,970 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,025.26 | $4,443 | $53,314 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Fairfield) | $64.08 |
| 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 Fairfield, CA earn a median of $133,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.91% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 3.10% above the California state average of $129,277.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.08/hr = $79,970/year (purchasing power: $70,708).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,284/year (purchasing power: $117,846).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fairfield grew 30.1% from $46.91/hr (2019) to $61.01/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.30/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
When considering part-time opportunities, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can still earn a substantial annual income, but the average will be less than that of a full-time employee. For those seeking flexible work arrangements, per diem positions or agency contracts are common, with pay rates typically ranging from $55 to $85 per hour for MRI services. Notably, cardiac MRI specialists can command even higher rates, billing between $75 and $110 per hour. Employment settings greatly influence hourly compensation; hospital imaging departments may offer steady pay alongside benefits, while independent practices and mobile MRI services could offer higher pay but fewer benefits. For technologists, understanding the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and more secure positions remains vital. Negotiating pay effectively in Fairfield relies on local demand, the complexity of imaging tasks, and emerging subspecialties like cardiac MRI, which can influence compensation positively.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fairfield in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Fairfield?
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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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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