Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Palo Alto, CA: $60.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Palo Alto, CA runs $60.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,038 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Palo Alto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,619 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Palo Alto, California, is projected to reach $60.59, significantly higher than the national average of $48.21. This notable hourly rate not only reflects the increased demand for MRI professionals but also the local cost of living, which is above the national average. For those working part-time, such as in hospital MRI suites or outpatient imaging centers, this hourly wage translates to a substantial income even with a reduced schedule. With rates spanning from $44.90 for entry-level positions to $83.02 for seasoned professionals, it is evident that there are considerable opportunities available across various imaging environments including mobile MRI trailers, orthopedic facilities, and research laboratories.
About the Palo Alto 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) | $44.90 | $359.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.86 | $414.91 |
| Median (P50) | $60.59 | $484.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.95 | $551.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.02 | $664.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palo Alto
Based on $60.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.59/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palo Alto, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,031 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,710. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palo Alto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palo Alto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,423.67 | $10,503 | $126,031 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,454.20 | $6,302 | $75,619 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $969.47 | $4,201 | $50,412 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Palo Alto) | $60.59 |
| 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 Palo Alto, CA earn a median of $126,038 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.68% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.50% below the California state average of $129,270.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.59/hr = $75,619/year (purchasing power: $66,860).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,031/year (purchasing power: $111,433).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Palo Alto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Palo Alto grew 30.1% from $44.36/hr (2019) to $57.69/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.64/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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Palo Alto can significantly increase their earnings, especially with non-standard schedules. A 3-day work week typically results in an annual income around $94,965, which is a competitive compensation for part-time work. For those interested in flexible options, per-diem roles can yield varied pay rates; per diem MRI techs often charge between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI roles commanding even higher prices, reaching $75 to $110 an hour. Travel MRI contracts also provide lucrative opportunities, ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 weekly for professionals willing to work outside their local area. It's important for MRI technologists to evaluate employer types for hourly compensation, as hospital imaging departments often offer more substantial benefits compared to outpatient centers that may provide higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating for higher pay in this competitive market requires understanding local conditions, actively discussing the value of your skills, particularly in specialty areas like cardiac MRI and mpMRI, and weighing the trade-offs between hourly wages and comprehensive health benefits.
More salary data for Palo Alto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Palo Alto in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Palo Alto?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Palo Alto paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Palo Alto?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Palo Alto?
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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 Palo Alto. 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 Palo Alto 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