Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Porterville, CA: $61.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Porterville, CA runs $61.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,942 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Porterville's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,759 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Porterville, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn an impressive median hourly pay of $61.51, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This elevated compensation reflects the specialized skills required to operate 1.5T and 3T MRI scanners found in hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, or those seeking per-diem positions, the financial outlook is also noteworthy. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $42.12 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach as much as $79.95 per hour. The hourly rates are derived from annual estimates, offering a clear picture for prospective workers considering diverse work environments, including orthopedic facilities with on-site MRI capabilities and research institutions.
About the Porterville 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) | $42.12 | $336.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.74 | $429.95 |
| Median (P50) | $61.51 | $492.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.40 | $539.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.95 | $639.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Porterville
Based on $61.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.51/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Porterville, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,932 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,807. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Porterville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Porterville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,460.22 | $10,661 | $127,932 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,476.13 | $6,397 | $76,759 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $984.09 | $4,264 | $51,173 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Porterville) | $61.51 |
| 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 Porterville, CA earn a median of $127,942 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.58% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.00% below the California state average of $129,235.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.51/hr = $76,759/year (purchasing power: $67,868).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,932/year (purchasing power: $113,114).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Porterville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Porterville grew 30.1% from $45.02/hr (2019) to $58.56/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.60/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 Porterville 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 Porterville
Examining the financial prospects for part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists who work a 24-hour week reveals a substantial annual income that can still compete favorably against full-time positions. This path allows professionals flexibility while still bringing home a commendable sum; a typical annual income could be approximately $96,000. Per diem roles further enhance earning potential, with many MRI techs billing between $55 and $85 per hour. For specialized cardiac MRI roles, rates can escalate to $75 to $110 per hour. Various employer types in Porterville, including hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers, impact hourly pay. While some technologists may opt for lower pay in exchange for health benefits, others might forgo these options for higher rates without benefits. Understanding market trends and evaluating potential employer offerings can help MRI professionals in Porterville achieve a compensation strategy that aligns with their career goals.
More salary data for Porterville, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Porterville?
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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 Porterville. 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 Porterville 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