Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Poway, CA: $61.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Poway, CA runs $61.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,233 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Poway's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,340 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Poway, California, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is estimated at $61.17, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This impressive figure not only highlights the demand for skilled MRI technologists but also means that those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, can earn a substantial income even with reduced hours. For per-diem professionals in various settings—such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, orthopedic on-site rooms, and breast imaging centers—the hourly rate ranges from approximately $44.69 to $76.73, depending on experience and specialization, including advanced cardiac MRI techniques. This range demonstrates the potential for both entry-level and experienced technologists to find positions suited to their needs in Poway's healthcare landscape.
About the Poway 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) | $54.02 | $432.14 |
| Median (P50) | $61.17 | $489.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.78 | $526.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.73 | $613.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Poway
Based on $61.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.17/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Poway, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,403. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Poway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Poway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,446.78 | $10,603 | $127,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,468.07 | $6,362 | $76,340 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $978.71 | $4,241 | $50,893 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Poway) | $61.17 |
| 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 Poway, CA earn a median of $127,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.87% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.60% below the California state average of $129,302.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.17/hr = $76,340/year (purchasing power: $67,497).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,233/year (purchasing power: $112,496).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Poway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Poway grew 30.1% from $44.78/hr (2019) to $58.24/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.25/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 Poway 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 Poway
Examining the financial landscape further reveals interesting trends for part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists who may work 24 hours per week, with an annual take-home pay significantly influenced by their hourly engagement. Per-diem roles are particularly lucrative, with billing rates typically spanning from $55-$85 per hour for routine MRI procedures, and even higher for specialized cardiac MRIs, reaching up to $110. Travel MRI tech contracts, often favored for their flexibility, can yield weekly earnings between $2,200 and $3,400, with premium rates available for cardiac positions. While full-time positions at local hospitals and outpatient imaging centers typically offer hourly pay that supports health benefits, some technologists may opt for higher rates in per-diem roles that come without such perks. It's common for MRI techs in Poway to negotiate based on their specific skill sets and desired schedules, aiming for positions that offer both competitive pay and the ideal work-life balance.
More salary data for Poway, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Poway?
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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 Poway. 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 Poway 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