Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $75.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Oakland, CA runs $75.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $157,113 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $66.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $94,271 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakland, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists command a median hourly pay of $75.54, significantly outpacing the national median of $48.21. This robust hourly rate is particularly advantageous for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find themselves in dynamic settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and even mobile MRI trailers. For those in the field, hourly earnings range from $51.91 for entry-level positions to $106.74 for seasoned professionals. This competitive compensation reflects the growing demand for skilled MRI technologists, especially as 3T scanners become prevalent in both clinical and research environments. Workers can expect compelling options whether they choose a steady position or flexible per-diem assignments, all while contributing to crucial diagnostics that enhance patient care.
About the Oakland 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) | $51.91 | $415.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.02 | $496.16 |
| Median (P50) | $75.54 | $604.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.95 | $695.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.74 | $853.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $75.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $75.54/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $157,118 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $90,645. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,021.50 | $13,093 | $157,118 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,812.90 | $7,856 | $94,271 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,208.60 | $5,237 | $62,847 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Oakland) | $75.54 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $157,113 per year (2026 est.), which is 56.67% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 21.50% above the California state average of $129,311.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $75.54/hr = $94,271/year (purchasing power: $83,352).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $157,118/year (purchasing power: $138,920).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$75.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oakland grew 30.1% from $55.30/hr (2019) to $71.92/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.34/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
The earning potential as a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist is significant. Working just three days a week for a total of 24 hours could yield a respectable annual income, illustrating the appeal of flexibility in this career. Per-diem contracts frequently see MRI techs billing between $55 and $85 per hour, while specialized cardiac MRI roles can command even higher rates, reaching up to $110 per hour. Travel MRI tech contracts offer additional lucrative opportunities, often ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week. Across various employer types in Oakland—whether hospitals, outpatient centers, or mobile services—hourly rates can vary, providing choices between higher pay with fewer benefits or lower rates with health insurance options. When negotiating, it's essential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists to consider all aspects of compensation, balancing the hourly pay against benefits to secure the best arrangement for their career and lifestyle.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Oakland?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oakland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Oakland?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Oakland?
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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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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