Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Fresno, CA: $53.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Fresno, CA runs $53.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $112,078 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Fresno's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.2, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,243 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fresno, CA, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $53.88, which is notably higher than the national median of $48.21. This competitive hourly rate makes it an attractive option for both part-time professionals and those working on a per-diem basis. For instance, a technologist working three days a week could earn approximately $42,464 annually, allowing for a flexible work schedule while still receiving a solid income. The hourly pay range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $39.22 and experienced professionals making up to $81.98. These figures reflect the ongoing demand for MRI services in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and research labs, where these specialists utilize advanced technology, including 1.5T and 3T scanners. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlights the lucrative opportunities available for MRI technologists in Fresno.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.22 | $313.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.64 | $341.14 |
| Median (P50) | $53.88 | $431.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.10 | $552.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.98 | $655.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fresno
Based on $53.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.88/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fresno, CA can expect to earn approximately $112,071 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,656. With a cost-of-living index of 102.16 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fresno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fresno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,155.22 | $9,339 | $112,071 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,293.13 | $5,604 | $67,243 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $862.09 | $3,736 | $44,828 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Fresno) | $53.88 |
| 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 Fresno, CA earn a median of $112,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.76% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 13.30% below the California state average of $129,270.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.88/hr = $67,243/year (purchasing power: $65,822).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $112,071/year (purchasing power: $109,704).
CoL index: 102.158 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Fresno grew 7.6% from $47.66/hr (2019) to $51.30/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.59/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 Fresno 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 Fresno
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working just 24 hours per week can realize consistent earnings while maintaining their desired work-life balance. While full-time technologists benefit from more substantial salaries and typically enhanced job security, many part-time workers enjoy the flexibility that fits their lifestyle. Those opting for per-diem work can command higher rates, with typical billing rates for per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Fresno ranging from $55 to $85 per hour. For specialized roles like cardiac MRI techs, hourly pay can reach between $75 and $110. Meanwhile, travel MRI tech contracts offer enticing packages, often accumulating $2,200 to $3,400 weekly for those willing to relocate temporarily. On the local front, employers such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, and travel agencies influence the variety of pay rates. Technologists must weigh hourly compensation against benefits; a lower hourly rate may come with health insurance, whereas freelance roles might offer higher pay but without those safety nets. For those looking to negotiate better rates, understanding the pay structure across different employer types in Fresno is essential for achieving a favorable work arrangement.
More salary data for Fresno, 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 Fresno. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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