Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $62.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Pasadena, CA runs $62.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,161 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Pasadena, CA, can expect a median hourly rate of $62.63 for their specialized work, significantly surpassing the national median of $48.21. This higher compensation reflects the expertise required to operate various MRI technologies, including 1.5T and 3T scanners, which are commonly found in hospital imaging departments and outpatient clinics. For part-time professionals working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this translates to a robust earning potential, especially given the city's cost of living index of 113.1. Entry-level technologists might start at approximately $44.96 per hour, while those with advanced skills and experience, particularly in specialized areas like cardiac MRI, can command rates as high as $86.67 per hour. These hourly projections stem from a comprehensive analysis based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
About the Pasadena 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) | $44.96 | $359.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.67 | $421.38 |
| Median (P50) | $62.63 | $501.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.66 | $573.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.67 | $693.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $62.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.63/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,269 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,155. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,505.18 | $10,856 | $130,269 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,503.11 | $6,513 | $78,161 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,002.07 | $4,342 | $52,108 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Pasadena) | $62.63 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $130,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.90% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% above the California state average of $129,232.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.63/hr = $78,161/year (purchasing power: $69,108).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,269/year (purchasing power: $115,180).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Pasadena grew 30.1% from $45.85/hr (2019) to $59.63/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.78/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
For those considering part-time work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist, the financial landscape in Pasadena reveals an attractive potential: working a 24-hour week could yield an annual income notably higher than what one might expect in other regions. Per-diem positions, which frequently pay between $55 and $85 per hour, are especially appealing for those seeking flexibility. Additionally, travel MRI technologist contracts often offer weekly wages ranging from $2,200 to $3,400, with specialized cardiac MRI roles attracting even higher pay rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Employers in Pasadena, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI service providers, may vary their hourly rates, balancing compensation with the benefits of health insurance and job security. Negotiating pay becomes crucial, as many technologists must decide between lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher rates that necessitate additional financial planning for healthcare coverage. Understanding the earning dynamics and specific employer offerings can help in crafting a strategic approach to employment in this lucrative field.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Pasadena in 2026?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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