Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $61.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Hawthorne, CA runs $61.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,727 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,641 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hawthorne, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect to earn a substantial median hourly pay of $61.41, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.21. This attractive hourly rate provides an enticing opportunity for both part-time professionals working three days a week in various settings, such as hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers, as well as per-diem workers who might thrive in mobile MRI trailers or specialized research labs. The hourly earnings range from approximately $41.89 for entry-level positions to $79.61 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the diverse skill levels and responsibilities within this specialty. These figures, derived from annual salary data, highlight the competitive environment of the MRI profession in Hawthorne.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $41.89 | $335.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.52 | $428.19 |
| Median (P50) | $61.41 | $491.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.17 | $537.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.61 | $636.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $61.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.41/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,735 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,693. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,456.44 | $10,645 | $127,735 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,473.86 | $6,387 | $76,641 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $982.58 | $4,258 | $51,094 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Hawthorne) | $61.41 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $127,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.37% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.20% below the California state average of $129,278.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.41/hr = $76,641/year (purchasing power: $67,764).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,735/year (purchasing power: $112,940).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hawthorne grew 30.1% from $44.95/hr (2019) to $58.47/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.50/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
For a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time in Hawthorne, earning an hourly wage can offer different financial dynamics when compared to full-time roles. A typical schedule of three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, can yield an annual take-home earnings in the range of $60,000 to $70,000, depending on individual circumstances and specific employer rates. Meanwhile, per diem MRI techs often find that the flexibility of working on demand pays off; they typically bill between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI positions attracting even higher rates. Travel positions may provide substantial earning potential, reaching weekly contracts between $2,200 and $3,400. However, the choice between higher hourly pay without benefits and a slightly lower hourly rate that includes health insurance is a common dilemma. MRI technologists in Hawthorne should also engage in effective negotiations with potential employers, especially considering the variety of settings available—ranging from hospital imaging departments to freestanding outpatient centers—each offering unique pay scales.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hawthorne in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Hawthorne?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hawthorne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Hawthorne?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Hawthorne?
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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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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