Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Riverside, CA: $53.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Riverside, CA runs $53.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,342 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Riverside's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.4, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,810 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Riverside, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $53.53, surpassing the national median of $48.21. For part-time workers, typically scheduled for three days a week, this pay translates to attractive compensation in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, orthopedic on-site imaging rooms, and mobile MRI trailers. Entry-level positions in this field may start at approximately $31.64 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $74.49 per hour according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The hourly compensation reflects the specialty-level demand for MRI technology, particularly in the context of advanced applications like cardiac MRI and high-field systems utilized in research environments.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.64 | $253.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.95 | $335.59 |
| Median (P50) | $53.53 | $428.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.26 | $538.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.49 | $595.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Riverside
Based on $53.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.53/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Riverside, CA can expect to earn approximately $111,350 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,241. With a cost-of-living index of 106.44 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Riverside.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Riverside
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,141.35 | $9,279 | $111,350 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,284.81 | $5,568 | $66,810 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $856.54 | $3,712 | $44,540 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Riverside) | $53.53 |
| 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 Riverside, CA earn a median of $111,342 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.03% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 13.90% below the California state average of $129,317.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.53/hr = $66,810/year (purchasing power: $62,767).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,350/year (purchasing power: $104,611).
CoL index: 106.442 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Riverside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Riverside grew 15.6% from $44.10/hr (2019) to $50.97/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.23/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 Riverside 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 Riverside
For those considering part-time roles in Riverside's MRI sector, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, can expect to earn over $67,000 annually before taxes. Per-diem or locum tenens positions often offer even higher compensation, with pay rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, and specialty areas like cardiac MRI can command up to $110 per hour. Different employer types, such as hospital imaging departments and freestanding outpatient centers, influence hourly rates. Many technologists weigh benefits against pay, often accepting lower hourly wages for full-time roles that include health insurance while opting for higher rates in per-diem work that lacks benefits. Negotiation strategies in Riverside may focus on highlighting specialized skills or certifications, especially for emerging technologies, to secure competitive hourly pay in this lucrative sector.
More salary data for Riverside, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Riverside in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Riverside?
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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 Riverside. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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