Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Oceanside, CA: $63.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Oceanside, CA runs $63.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,206 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Oceanside's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,725 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oceanside, CA, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist reaches a median of $63.08, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $48.21. This robust pay scale reflects the demand for skilled MRI professionals in various clinical settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For part-time work, such as a typical three-day week comprising 24 hours, technologists can expect a solid income that can sustain a comfortable lifestyle. Entry-level positions start around $42.80, while the top earners in the region can command rates up to $84.10. These hourly wages are projected based on annual salary estimations and underline the growing value attributed to this specialized role in the healthcare field.
About the Oceanside 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) | $42.80 | $342.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.21 | $409.70 |
| Median (P50) | $63.08 | $504.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.23 | $561.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.10 | $672.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oceanside
Based on $63.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.08/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oceanside, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,209 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,697. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oceanside.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oceanside
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,523.24 | $10,934 | $131,209 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,513.94 | $6,560 | $78,725 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,009.30 | $4,374 | $52,483 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Oceanside) | $63.08 |
| 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 Oceanside, CA earn a median of $131,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.84% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.50% above the California state average of $129,267.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.08/hr = $78,725/year (purchasing power: $69,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,209/year (purchasing power: $116,011).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Oceanside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oceanside grew 30.1% from $46.18/hr (2019) to $60.06/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.25/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 Oceanside 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 Oceanside
For those considering part-time options, earning potential as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week translates to around $78,633 annually, a respectable figure compared to full-time peers. Per-diem or agency work often yields variable rates, where MRI techs typically bill between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists commanding even higher rates of $75 to $110. Travel MRI tech contracts in Oceanside can also be lucrative, offering weekly payments of $2,200 to $3,400, especially for those in cardiac imaging roles. Various employer types influence pay scales; while hospitals may offer stable compensation often paired with benefits, outpatient centers and mobile MRI companies might offer higher hourly rates but less job security. Navigating these dynamics requires careful consideration, especially when negotiating pay rates—technologists should weigh the trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and stable positions with comprehensive health coverage.
More salary data for Oceanside, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oceanside in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Oceanside?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Oceanside paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Oceanside?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Oceanside?
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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 Oceanside. 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 Oceanside 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