Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Palmdale, CA: $61.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Palmdale, CA runs $61.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,449 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Palmdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,074 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palmdale, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $61.76, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $48.21. This competitive pay serves as an attractive incentive for those considering part-time roles, working three days a week, or pursuing per-diem opportunities in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and research labs. The hourly wage range reflects a broad spectrum of experience, beginning at $44.69 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $86.01 for top earners. This attractive hourly compensation can also entice professionals who may prefer flexible work arrangements while enjoying the benefits of specialized skills and expertise in radiologic technology.
About the Palmdale 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) | $44.69 | $357.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.25 | $418.02 |
| Median (P50) | $61.76 | $494.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.94 | $567.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.01 | $688.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palmdale
Based on $61.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.76/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palmdale, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,456 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,109. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palmdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palmdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,470.31 | $10,705 | $128,456 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,482.18 | $6,423 | $77,074 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $988.12 | $4,282 | $51,382 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Palmdale) | $61.76 |
| 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 Palmdale, CA earn a median of $128,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.09% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.60% below the California state average of $129,224.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.76/hr = $77,074/year (purchasing power: $68,146).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,456/year (purchasing power: $113,577).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Palmdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Palmdale grew 30.1% from $45.21/hr (2019) to $58.80/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.86/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 Palmdale 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 Palmdale
Examining the earning potential for part-time MRI technologists in Palmdale reveals that working 24 hours a week could yield a substantial annual income compared to full-time positions. Per-diem roles further diversify income streams, with MRI techs charging between $55 and $85 per hour, and specialized cardiac MRI per-diem offers reaching as high as $75 to $110 per hour. Travel MRI techs may even command contracts ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly, demonstrating the lucrative prospects within this field. The type of employer plays a significant role in pay variability, with hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and orthopedic practices offering differing rates. Some technologists might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, highlighting the balancing act professionals face while negotiating their hourly rate in Palmdale. Understanding localized market trends can assist MRI techs in securing the best possible pay while considering job security and additional benefits.
More salary data for Palmdale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Palmdale in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Palmdale?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Palmdale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Palmdale?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Palmdale?
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 Palmdale. 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 Palmdale 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