Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $63.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Richmond, CA runs $63.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,027 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Richmond, CA offers a competitive magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay of $63.32, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This robust hourly wage translates well for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions within various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. Part-time technologists working three days a week can expect substantial take-home pay, with earnings peaking at approximately $85.14 per hour for experienced professionals in demanding environments. For entry-level positions, hourly pay starts around $43.16, indicating a well-defined range where candidates can grow and advance as they gain experience and skills in specialized areas, including cardiac and breast imaging.
About the Richmond 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) | $43.16 | $345.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.71 | $413.65 |
| Median (P50) | $63.32 | $506.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.78 | $566.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.14 | $681.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $63.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.32/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,711 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,987. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,532.90 | $10,976 | $131,711 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,519.74 | $6,586 | $79,027 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,013.16 | $4,390 | $52,684 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Richmond) | $63.32 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $131,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.35% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.90% above the California state average of $129,262.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.32/hr = $79,027/year (purchasing power: $69,873).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,711/year (purchasing power: $116,455).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Richmond grew 30.1% from $46.35/hr (2019) to $60.29/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.51/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists working 24 hours a week can expect annual earnings of approximately $79,408, a compelling figure compared to full-time workers. Per diem roles offer additional earning potential; per diem MRI techs may bill between $55 and $85 per hour, with rates for specialized cardiac MRI per-diem work reaching anywhere from $75 to $110 per hour. Travel MRI contracts provide ambitious technologists with even higher financial rewards, ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week. In Richmond, hourly rates can differ across employer types, such as hospital imaging departments or outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, creating a unique balance between higher hourly pay and benefits like health insurance. MRI technologists should consider their personal financial needs when weighing job options and negotiating their hourly rates, especially in this diverse market that rewards specialist training and experience.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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