Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in San Bernardino, CA: $53.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in San Bernardino, CA runs $53.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,480 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against San Bernardino's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,889 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in San Bernardino, California is projected to reach a median of $53.60. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $48.21, offering a competitive edge for the city's MRI techs. For those employed in various settings, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers, this hourly rate is significant. With an hourly range spanning from $35.07 for entry-level positions to $76.75 for top earners, it provides opportunities for both full-time workers and part-time techs looking to work three days a week. This flexibility can also benefit per-diem workers, who often find positions in diverse environments like orthopedic surgery practices and breast imaging centers.
About the San Bernardino 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) | $35.07 | $280.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.79 | $366.34 |
| Median (P50) | $53.60 | $428.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.36 | $482.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.75 | $613.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Bernardino
Based on $53.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.60/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Bernardino, CA can expect to earn approximately $111,481 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,316. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Bernardino.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Bernardino
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,143.87 | $9,290 | $111,481 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,286.32 | $5,574 | $66,889 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $857.55 | $3,716 | $44,593 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (San Bernardino) | $53.60 |
| 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 San Bernardino, CA earn a median of $111,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.17% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 13.80% below the California state average of $129,327.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.60/hr = $66,889/year (purchasing power: $59,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,481/year (purchasing power: $98,569).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in San Bernardino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Bernardino grew 30.1% from $39.23/hr (2019) to $51.03/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.29/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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino
Shifting focus to part-time and per-diem roles, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week can earn around $41,920 annually, significantly less than a full-time tech but still within a range that reflects the sector's high hourly pay. Per diem MRI techs generally see a billing rate between $55 and $85, while specialized cardiac MRI roles can command even higher rates, hitting $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts, particularly for cardiac MRI, can bring in earnings of $2,200 to $3,400 per week, showcasing the lucrative opportunities available. It's vital for technologists in San Bernardino to consider the trade-offs: while hospitals might offer lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits, independent agency roles might provide higher wages without health insurance. With this landscape in mind, aspiring MRI technologists should have clear negotiation strategies when discussing pay, focusing on the value they bring and being informed of local wage standards.
More salary data for San Bernardino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Bernardino in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in San Bernardino?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Bernardino paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in San Bernardino?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Bernardino?
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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 San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino 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