Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $61.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lake Forest, CA runs $61.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,918 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,156 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lake Forest, California will earn a median hourly rate of $61.02, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This wage allows for a comfortable lifestyle, benefiting part-time and per-diem professionals working in various environments like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and even mobile MRI trailers. Those entering the profession can expect to earn around $45.64 per hour, while experienced technologists in top positions could earn up to $82.21. These figures represent estimated hourly rates derived from projected annual salaries for the profession in Lake Forest, which is one of the more lucrative areas for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the state.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $45.64 | $365.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.39 | $411.13 |
| Median (P50) | $61.02 | $488.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.60 | $548.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.21 | $657.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Forest
Based on $61.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.02/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Forest, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,927 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,227. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,440.90 | $10,577 | $126,927 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,464.54 | $6,346 | $76,156 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $976.36 | $4,231 | $50,771 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lake Forest) | $61.02 |
| 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 Forest, CA earn a median of $126,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.56% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.80% below the California state average of $129,245.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.02/hr = $76,156/year (purchasing power: $67,335).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,927/year (purchasing power: $112,225).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lake Forest grew 30.1% from $44.67/hr (2019) to $58.10/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.09/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 Forest 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 Forest
For those considering part-time positions, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week, equating to 24 hours, could potentially take home around $76,083 annually, a stark contrast to the earnings of full-time colleagues. Per-diem opportunities provide another avenue for income, as MRI techs can bill between $55 and $85 per hour; specialized roles such as cardiac MRI can command even higher rates. In Lake Forest, employment types including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and orthopedic surgery practices contribute to variability in pay. Some technologists may opt for lower hourly rates to receive health benefits, while others may prefer the flexibility that comes with higher pay without benefits. Understanding the dynamics of hourly wages and negotiating effectively can make a significant difference in earnings for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in this vibrant CA community.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lake Forest in 2026?
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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 Lake Forest. 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 Forest 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