Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Sacramento, CA: $73.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Sacramento, CA runs $73.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $152,094 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Sacramento's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.7, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,256 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sacramento, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at $73.12, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This competitive rate is advantageous for both part-time and per-diem workers, who typically operate in diverse settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For instance, a technologist working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $55,000 annually, a tempting figure compared to many other healthcare roles at similar hours. The hourly range varies from approximately $43.21 for entry-level positions to $88.07 for experienced professionals, showcasing the ample earning potential within the local job market, as indicated by official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.21 | $345.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.19 | $425.50 |
| Median (P50) | $73.12 | $584.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.41 | $699.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.07 | $704.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sacramento
Based on $73.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.12/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sacramento, CA can expect to earn approximately $152,094 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,746. With a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sacramento.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sacramento
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,924.88 | $12,674 | $152,094 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,754.93 | $7,605 | $91,256 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,169.95 | $5,070 | $60,837 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Sacramento) | $73.12 |
| 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 Sacramento, CA earn a median of $152,094 per year (2026 est.), which is 51.66% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 17.70% above the California state average of $129,222.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.12/hr = $91,256/year (purchasing power: $85,550).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $152,094/year (purchasing power: $142,583).
CoL index: 106.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sacramento grew 44.8% from $48.09/hr (2019) to $69.62/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.80/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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Considering the landscape of part-time work, those choosing a 3-day week can find that their income allows for a comfortable living in Sacramento, even if it's less than that of a full-time colleague. Per diem roles are particularly lucrative; MRI technologists often bill between $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists fetching up to $110. This pathway can lead to substantial weekly earnings, especially with travel MRI tech contracts that range from $2,200 to $3,400 per week. Employers vary widely from hospitals to freestanding imaging centers, influencing hourly compensation as some facilities offer benefits while others prioritize higher pay without them. In negotiating pay, it’s crucial for technologists to consider not just the numbers but the complete package, weighing hourly rate against health benefits.
More salary data for Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sacramento in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Sacramento?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Sacramento paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Sacramento?
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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 Sacramento. 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