Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Newport Beach, CA: $60.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Newport Beach, CA runs $60.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Newport Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,881 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Newport Beach, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at an impressive $60.80, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.21. This favorable rate not only reflects the city's high demand for specialized MRI services but also positions local technologists well within the competitive landscape of healthcare professionals. For those working part-time, such as a 3-day workweek schedule, earnings can be substantial, especially in diverse settings like hospital MRI suites, mobile MRI trailers, and outpatient imaging centers. With entry-level positions starting around $45.36 per hour and top earners reaching up to $81.47, the range of compensation in Newport Beach illustrates the potential for both steady employment and lucrative per-diem opportunities in this field.
About the Newport Beach 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) | $52.27 | $418.19 |
| Median (P50) | $60.80 | $486.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.09 | $544.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.47 | $651.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport Beach
Based on $60.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.80/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,962. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,432.07 | $10,539 | $126,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,459.24 | $6,323 | $75,881 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $972.83 | $4,216 | $50,587 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Newport Beach) | $60.80 |
| 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 Newport Beach, CA earn a median of $126,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.10% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.20% below the California state average of $129,303.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.80/hr = $75,881/year (purchasing power: $67,092).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,468/year (purchasing power: $111,820).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Newport Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Newport Beach grew 30.1% from $44.51/hr (2019) to $57.89/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.86/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 Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach
Moreover, the earning potential for a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist clocking in approximately 24 hours a week translates to an annual take-home of around $76,358, which is quite appealing. For per-diem technologists, billing rates typically range from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized roles such as cardiac MRI commanding even higher pay between $75 and $110 hourly. Travel contracts can also be lucrative, averaging between $2,200 and $3,400 per week, especially for those with skills in cardiac MRI. The variations in hourly rates across different employer types highlight the advantages and challenges faced by MRI techs in Newport Beach. Hospital imaging departments may provide better benefits, making lower hourly rates more appealing, while outpatient centers and mobile companies could offer higher hourly wages without additional health coverage. Effective negotiation on the hourly rate is critical, with local knowledge and understanding market trends providing leverage for those seeking to maximize their earnings in this specialized healthcare role.
More salary data for Newport Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Newport Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Newport Beach?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Newport Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Newport Beach?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Newport Beach?
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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 Newport Beach. 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 Newport Beach 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