MRI Technologist Pay

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Huntington Beach, CA: $62.37 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Huntington Beach, CA runs $62.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,723 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Huntington Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,834 per year.

$129,723
Median Annual Salary
$62.37/hr
Hourly Rate
$95,871
Entry Level (P10)
$183,246
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Rate in Huntington Beach, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Huntington Beach, CA magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Huntington Beach, the hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists reaches a median of $62.37, significantly outpacing the national median of $48.21. This favorable hourly rate offers promising opportunities for part-time professionals working three days a week in various settings, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and research labs. For those entering the field, hourly wages start around $46.09, while top earners can make as much as $88.10 per hour, reflective of their experience and expertise. Employees typically create schedules that allow for flexibility, allowing them to negotiate for desirable shifts while still maintaining a work-life balance.

About the Huntington Beach Market

Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$46.09$368.70
Lower Range (P25)$53.49$427.93
Median (P50)$62.37$498.93
Upper Range (P75)$68.60$548.76
Top Earners (P90)$88.10$704.79

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington Beach

Based on $62.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Huntington Beach earning $62.37/hr would make approximately $74,840 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $129,723 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$74,840Reduced (32 hr/wk)$99,787Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$129,723

At $62.37/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,723 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,840. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Huntington Beach.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$498.93
per 8hr shift
$2,494.67
per week
$10,810
per month
$129,723
per year

Schedule Comparison in Huntington Beach

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,494.67$10,810$129,723
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,496.80$6,486$77,834
Per Diem (16 hrs)$997.87$4,324$51,889

Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Huntington Beach)$62.37
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing magnetic resonance imaging technologist median salary in Huntington Beach ($129,723) with California average ($129,335) and the US national median ($100,283).Huntington Beach$129,723California Avg$129,335+0.30%US National$100,283+29.36%

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $129,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.36% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% above the California state average of $129,335.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $62.37/hr = $77,834/year (purchasing power: $68,819).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,723/year (purchasing power: $114,698).

CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$45.65/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$59.38/hr

2026 Current Est.

$62.37/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+43.5%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Huntington Beach (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Huntington Beach. Baseline $45.65/hr in 2025, projected to $65.50/hr by 2027.$42$49$56$63$692019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$45.65$46.45$48.11$49.81$52.08$64.39$59.38$62.37$65.50
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$45.65/hrActual
2020$46.45/hrActual
2021$48.11/hrActual
2022$49.81/hrActual
2023$52.08/hrActual
2024$64.39/hrActual
2025$59.38/hrActual
2026(current)$62.37/hrEstimated
2027$65.50/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Huntington Beach grew 30.1% from $45.65/hr (2019) to $59.38/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.50/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntington Beach metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Huntington Beach

Part-time MRI technologists working 24 hours a week can anticipate annual earnings that differ greatly from full-time income, emphasizing the increased earning potential that comes with additional hours. Per diem roles in Huntington Beach pay between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI positions commanding up to $110 per hour. Travel MRI techs may find lucrative contracts ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week, making such opportunities appealing for those willing to take on more transient roles. In Huntington Beach, salary discrepancies arise based on employer types; hospital imaging departments may offer steadier pay with benefits, while outpatient facilities and agencies might present higher hourly rates but forgo additional perks. Those in this field should consider factors such as health insurance benefits and negotiate flexibility in their contracts, balancing hourly wages against overall compensation and career satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Huntington Beach in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Huntington Beach is $62.37/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.03% annual growth). Rates range from $46.09 at entry level (10th percentile) to $88.10 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 29.4% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Huntington Beach?

A part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Huntington Beach earns approximately $6,486/month, or $77,834/year at the median hourly rate of $62.37. Many magnetic resonance imaging technologists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Huntington Beach paid hourly or salary?

The majority of magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Huntington Beach are paid hourly at a median rate of $62.37/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $129,723/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Huntington Beach?

A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Huntington Beach earns approximately $129,723/year at the median hourly rate of $62.37. This is 29.4% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $183,246/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington Beach?

Part-time and per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Huntington Beach sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $88.10/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in California

CT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

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 Huntington Beach. 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 Huntington Beach is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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