Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lompoc, CA: $61.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lompoc, CA runs $61.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,925 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lompoc's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,759 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lompoc, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $61.51, which notably exceeds the national median of $48.21. This elevated hourly pay provides substantial opportunities for both part-time positions, such as working three days a week, and per-diem roles in diverse settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. The hourly pay range reflects the profession's hierarchy, with entry-level technologists starting at approximately $45.49 and top earners reaching $77.66 per hour. Estimations suggest that these figures, derived from annual salary projections, offer valuable insights into the competitive nature of MRI technology as a specialized field in radiology.
About the Lompoc 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) | $45.49 | $363.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.35 | $418.78 |
| Median (P50) | $61.51 | $492.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.63 | $533.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.66 | $621.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lompoc
Based on $61.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.51/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lompoc, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,932 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,807. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lompoc.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lompoc
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,460.22 | $10,661 | $127,932 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,476.13 | $6,397 | $76,759 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.09 | $4,264 | $51,173 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lompoc) | $61.51 |
| 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 Lompoc, CA earn a median of $127,925 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.56% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.00% below the California state average of $129,218.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.51/hr = $76,759/year (purchasing power: $67,868).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,932/year (purchasing power: $113,114).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lompoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lompoc grew 30.1% from $45.02/hr (2019) to $58.56/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.60/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 Lompoc 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 Lompoc
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists considering part-time work in Lompoc, taking on a 24-hour weekly schedule can provide a significant earning potential, yielding approximately $76,299 annually. In contrast, full-time employment could push annual earnings beyond the $127,925 mark. Per-diem or agency roles present unique pay dynamics; for instance, per diem MRI techs typically charge between $55 and $85 per hour, with those specializing in cardiac MRI earning even higher rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts can be especially lucrative, with weekly earnings reaching $2,200 to $3,400. The type of employer influences compensation as well, with distinct pay scales between hospitals, freestanding outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and mobile MRI services. Moreover, technologists must weigh the benefits of stable salaries and health insurance against potentially higher hourly wages without perks. Effective negotiation for hourly positions in Lompoc often hinges on understanding market rates and articulating one's specialized skills, particularly in a field that increasingly values proficiency in cardiac MRI and other emerging subspecialties.
More salary data for Lompoc, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lompoc in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lompoc?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lompoc paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Lompoc?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lompoc?
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 Lompoc. 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 Lompoc 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