Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in La Mirada, CA: $61.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in La Mirada, CA runs $61.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,447 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against La Mirada's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,074 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Mirada, California, the hourly rate for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to be $61.76 in 2026, considerably higher than the national median of $48.21. This favorable wage reflects the high demand for specialized skills in various work environments, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a solid supplement to their income, especially in settings where flexible scheduling is advantageous. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $46.03, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $78.47 per hour, providing a significant earning potential within this specialized field.
About the La Mirada 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) | $46.03 | $368.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.87 | $422.98 |
| Median (P50) | $61.76 | $494.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.49 | $547.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.47 | $627.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Mirada
Based on $61.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.76/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Mirada, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,456 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,109. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Mirada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Mirada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,470.31 | $10,705 | $128,456 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,482.18 | $6,423 | $77,074 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $988.12 | $4,282 | $51,382 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (La Mirada) | $61.76 |
| 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 La Mirada, CA earn a median of $128,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.08% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.60% below the California state average of $129,223.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.76/hr = $77,074/year (purchasing power: $68,146).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,456/year (purchasing power: $113,577).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in La Mirada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in La Mirada grew 30.1% from $45.21/hr (2019) to $58.80/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.86/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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada
Considering the varied employment structures within the MRI profession, a technologist working part-time, say 24 hours per week, could earn approximately $76,390 annually, a substantial figure compared to opting for a full-time position. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in La Mirada offers additional flexibility, with professionals billing anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour, depending on specific skills such as cardiac MRI. Travel assignments can yield even more lucrative contracts, with weekly salaries ranging from $2,200 to $3,400, particularly in specialized cardiac MRI roles. Variations in compensation are often linked to employer types, with hospital imaging departments typically providing more comprehensive benefits, while outpatient centers may offer higher hourly pay without health insurance. Thus, it's essential for MRI technologists to balance their compensation needs with benefits, especially when considering part-time or per-diem opportunities. Negotiation strategies can include highlighting specialized certifications or additional training, which could justify a higher pay rate in La Mirada's competitive job market.
More salary data for La Mirada, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in La Mirada in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in La Mirada?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in La Mirada paid hourly or salary?
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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 La Mirada. 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 La Mirada 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