Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Redwood City, CA: $60.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Redwood City, CA runs $60.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,448 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Redwood City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,868 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Redwood City, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $60.79, which is significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various environments such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and even mobile MRI units. For those seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem work, such as staffing MRI services three days a week, the hourly wage can provide a robust income, allowing for flexibility without sacrificing financial stability. The earnings range from $45.29 at entry-level positions to up to $81.26 for top earners in the region, demonstrating ample potential for growth within this specialty career.
About the Redwood City 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) | $45.29 | $362.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.93 | $407.43 |
| Median (P50) | $60.79 | $486.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.10 | $544.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.26 | $650.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Redwood City
Based on $60.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.79/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Redwood City, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,950. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Redwood City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Redwood City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,431.65 | $10,537 | $126,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,458.99 | $6,322 | $75,868 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $972.66 | $4,215 | $50,578 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Redwood City) | $60.79 |
| 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 Redwood City, CA earn a median of $126,448 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.09% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.20% below the California state average of $129,292.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.79/hr = $75,868/year (purchasing power: $67,080).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,446/year (purchasing power: $111,800).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Redwood City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Redwood City grew 30.1% from $44.50/hr (2019) to $57.88/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.85/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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City
Looking into the earning dynamics offers insights into the choices that magnetic resonance imaging technologists make based on their work arrangements. A part-time technologist working three days a week could earn approximately $76,224 annually, which illustrates a compelling argument for those valuing work-life balance over full-time commitments. Per-diem or agency positions present another avenue, with MRI technologists often billing between $55 and $85 per hour, depending on their specialization and location. Furthermore, those in cardiac MRI can command even higher rates, making this a lucrative field. However, options vary significantly based on employer type, ranging from hospitals to private practices and travel agencies, requiring professionals to consider their preferences for benefits versus hourly pay. Negotiating skills can play an essential role in this spectrum, particularly in Redwood City’s evolving healthcare market, as technologists may find that accepting lower hourly rates can come with added benefits such as health insurance, a key consideration when determining one's career trajectory.
More salary data for Redwood City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Redwood City in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Redwood City?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Redwood City paid hourly or salary?
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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 Redwood City. 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 Redwood City 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