Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lake Elsinore, CA: $61.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lake Elsinore, CA runs $61.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,874 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lake Elsinore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,323 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lake Elsinore is projected to be $61.96, significantly above the national median of $48.21. This higher rate indicates the increased value of specialized skills in imaging technologies like MRI, particularly in environments such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile trailers. For part-time technologists working three days a week, the attractive hourly rate translates to a substantive income, making it feasible for those seeking flexibility through per-diem positions. The hourly range extends from approximately $43.15 for entry-level positions to as much as $85.21 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the diverse opportunities and demand for technologists within this growing field in CA.
About the Lake Elsinore 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) | $43.15 | $345.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.96 | $407.68 |
| Median (P50) | $61.96 | $495.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.17 | $537.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.21 | $681.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Elsinore
Based on $61.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.96/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Elsinore, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,871 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,349. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Elsinore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Elsinore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,478.29 | $10,739 | $128,871 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,486.97 | $6,444 | $77,323 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $991.32 | $4,296 | $51,548 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lake Elsinore) | $61.96 |
| 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 Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $128,874 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.51% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% below the California state average of $129,262.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.96/hr = $77,323/year (purchasing power: $68,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,871/year (purchasing power: $113,944).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lake Elsinore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lake Elsinore grew 30.1% from $45.35/hr (2019) to $58.99/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.07/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 Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore
Analyzing the earning potential reveals intriguing insights into both part-time and per-diem positions. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week might earn around $77,556 annually, compared to full-timers reaping substantially higher amounts. Per diem roles stand out, with rates typically ranging from $55 to $85, while specialists in cardiac MRI might see even higher rates, between $75 and $110. Additionally, travel contracts can yield between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly, particularly in high-demand areas. Hourly compensation varies across employer types; hospitals may offer stability but lower hourly rates compared to outpatient centers that might present higher pay but lack benefits. Many technologists must weigh the trade-off between these options—choosing between better hourly pay with fewer benefits or more traditional roles providing health coverage. For those looking to negotiate, understanding the local job market and leveraging the specialty skills expected in cutting-edge subfields like cardiac MRI can lead to better compensation in Lake Elsinore.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lake Elsinore in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lake Elsinore?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lake Elsinore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Lake Elsinore?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Elsinore?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Lake Elsinore. 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 Lake Elsinore 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