Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Murrieta, CA: $62.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Murrieta, CA runs $62.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,002 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Murrieta's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,401 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Murrieta, California, command a competitive hourly rate of $62.02, significantly above the national median of $48.21. This robust hourly wage provides ample opportunities for part-time professionals working three days a week in various settings such as outpatient MRI imaging centers, hospital MRI suites, and even mobile MRI trailers. For per-diem technologists, the financial landscape can vary, as they often benefit from the flexibility of their work schedules. The hourly rates in Murrieta range from $45.36 for entry-level positions to $84.60 for experienced practitioners, reflecting both the demand in the market and the specialized nature of the role. Estimates for these hourly earnings are derived from annual salary data, thereby indicating a strong incentive for MRI technologists to pursue careers in this field.
About the Murrieta 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) | $45.36 | $362.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.79 | $422.30 |
| Median (P50) | $62.02 | $496.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.61 | $572.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.60 | $676.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murrieta
Based on $62.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.02/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murrieta, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,002 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,424. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Murrieta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murrieta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,480.81 | $10,750 | $129,002 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,488.49 | $6,450 | $77,401 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $992.32 | $4,300 | $51,601 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Murrieta) | $62.02 |
| 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 Murrieta, CA earn a median of $129,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.64% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.20% below the California state average of $129,261.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.02/hr = $77,401/year (purchasing power: $68,436).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,002/year (purchasing power: $114,060).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Murrieta grew 30.1% from $45.40/hr (2019) to $59.05/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.14/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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
For those considering part-time work, an MRI technologist working a typical schedule of 24 hours across three days per week can expect to earn approximately $77,000 annually, which offers substantial income compared to other professions in the region. Per-diem roles present a different monetary landscape; many MRI techs in Murrieta bill between $55-$85 per hour, while cardiac magnetic resonance imaging specialists can charge between $75-$110 hourly. Travel contracts for MRI positions can be lucrative, with weekly earnings ranging from $2,200 to $3,400, particularly for cardiac MRI roles. Hourly rates can fluctuate significantly depending on the employer; technologists working in hospital imaging departments may see different compensation compared to those in outpatient centers or mobile practices. While some professionals opt for lower-paying positions with health benefits, others pursue higher hourly compensation without such coverage. Technologists negotiating their hourly pay in Murrieta should emphasize their certification credentials from organizations like ASRT and ARRT, while also being conscious of the growing demand in subspecialties such as cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Murrieta in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Murrieta?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Murrieta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Murrieta?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Murrieta?
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 Murrieta. 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 Murrieta 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