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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.50/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntington Beach 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 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.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Huntington Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Huntington Beach?
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How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Huntington Beach?
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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 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).
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