Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $60.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $60.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,516 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,304 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laguna Niguel, the pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to reach a median hourly rate of $60.34 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median of $48.21. This advantageous rate reflects the specialty skill set of MRI technologists, who often work in various environments, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI units, and dedicated orthopedic or breast imaging facilities. For part-time workers committing to a typical three-day work week, this translates to a robust earning potential, while per-diem options can offer even higher rates that align with the job's demands. Entry-level MRI technologists may start at approximately $44.07 per hour, but experienced professionals can earn as much as $82.18 per hour, allowing for flexibility and a rewarding career path within this field.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $44.07 | $352.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.35 | $410.79 |
| Median (P50) | $60.34 | $482.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.37 | $547.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.18 | $657.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $60.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.34/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $125,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,408. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,413.59 | $10,459 | $125,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,448.15 | $6,275 | $75,304 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $965.44 | $4,184 | $50,203 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Laguna Niguel) | $60.34 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $125,516 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.16% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.90% below the California state average of $129,265.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.34/hr = $75,304/year (purchasing power: $66,582).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,507/year (purchasing power: $110,970).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Laguna Niguel grew 30.1% from $44.17/hr (2019) to $57.45/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.37/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
Examining the overall earning potential in Laguna Niguel reveals intriguing opportunities for both part-time technicians and per-diem roles. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $75,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For per-diem MRI technologists, billing rates typically range from $55 to $85 an hour, and specialized fields such as cardiac MRI have even higher rates, reaching between $75 and $110 per hour. This variability showcases the influence of employer types on hourly wages; for example, hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, mobile MRI services, and orthopedic practices all have different budgetary constraints. While some professionals may opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for stability and benefits, others may prioritize higher pay in contract roles, necessitating keen negotiation skills to align compensation with individual career expectations in Laguna Niguel.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Laguna Niguel in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Laguna Niguel?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Laguna Niguel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Laguna Niguel?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Laguna Niguel?
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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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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