Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $61.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in San Clemente, CA runs $61.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,557 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,139 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Clemente, the hourly compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to reach $61.81 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.21. This elevated rate benefits those pursuing part-time employment, allowing professionals to earn $1,483.44 weekly based on a three-day work schedule. Additionally, per-diem positions are appealing, as these roles often pay between $55 to $85 per hour, especially in specialized areas like cardiac MRI, which can exceed $110 per hour. In this market, entry-level technologists may earn around $42.73 per hour, while those with more experience or advanced expertise can earn as much as $84.70. The larger context of this hourly rate reflects the overall demand for MRI specialists and the varying environments in which they can work, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient facilities, and mobile imaging trailers.
About the San Clemente 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) | $42.73 | $341.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.00 | $423.99 |
| Median (P50) | $61.81 | $494.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.49 | $563.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.70 | $677.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $61.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.81/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $128,565 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,172. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,472.41 | $10,714 | $128,565 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,483.44 | $6,428 | $77,139 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $988.96 | $4,286 | $51,426 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (San Clemente) | $61.81 |
| 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 Clemente, CA earn a median of $128,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.19% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.60% below the California state average of $129,333.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.81/hr = $77,139/year (purchasing power: $68,204).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,565/year (purchasing power: $113,674).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Clemente grew 30.1% from $45.25/hr (2019) to $58.85/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.92/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 Clemente 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 Clemente
Focusing on the earnings of a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in San Clemente, those working just three days a week at the median hourly rate would take home roughly $77,937 annually, compared to a full-time technologist's earnings of $128,557. For per-diem or agency positions, the financial prospects vary greatly; while most per-diem workers can expect around $55 to $85 per hour, travel MRI tech contracts can yield weekly earnings of $2,200 to $3,400. This disparity is crucial for professionals considering their workplace options. MRI technologists in San Clemente work in diverse settings, from hospital imaging departments to outpatient centers like RadNet or SimonMed and mobile companies. It's worth considering that those accepting positions with higher hourly rates may forgo benefits such as health insurance, while others may prefer the stability of full-time roles at lower rates. Negotiating hourly pay often hinges on emphasizing unique skills or certifications, particularly in higher-demand areas such as cardiac MRI or mpMRI.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Clemente in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in San Clemente?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Clemente paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in San Clemente?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Clemente?
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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 Clemente. 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 Clemente 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