Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $62.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in San Diego, CA runs $62.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,271 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,559 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Diego, CA can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $62.15, showcasing a significant premium over the national median of $48.21. This elevated pay reflects the high demand for specialized skills within various healthcare settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. For part-time workers, such as those typically working three days a week, this translates into substantial earnings—about $4,973 monthly for a 24-hour workweek. Moreover, the hourly rate spans considerably, starting at approximately $37.62 for entry-level positions while reaching up to $77.33 for experienced professionals. These figures stem from BLS projections based on 2025 data, indicating a strong market for MRI techs in the region.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.62 | $300.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.63 | $373.07 |
| Median (P50) | $62.15 | $497.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.02 | $576.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.33 | $618.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $62.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.15/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,264 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,576. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,485.85 | $10,772 | $129,264 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,491.51 | $6,463 | $77,559 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $994.34 | $4,309 | $51,706 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (San Diego) | $62.15 |
| 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 Diego, CA earn a median of $129,271 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.91% higher than the national median of $100,283.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.15/hr = $77,559/year (purchasing power: $69,319).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,264/year (purchasing power: $115,531).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Diego grew 28.1% from $46.20/hr (2019) to $59.17/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.27/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 Diego 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 Diego
Exploring the part-time earnings potential reveals that a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours weekly could take home around $59,600 annually, less than a full-time tech but still competitive. Per-diem MRI technologists expect to invoice between $55-$85 per hour for standard roles, while those in cardiac MRI can command rates between $75-$110 per hour. Travel positions further augment earning potential, with contracts offering between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly depending on location and specialty. It's crucial to recognize that hourly compensation varies across employer types in San Diego—from hospital imaging departments to outpatient centers and mobile MRI providers. Some professionals opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for desirable benefits like health insurance. When negotiating pay in this vibrant market, technologists should weigh the total compensation package, focusing on long-term financial stability, particularly in a city known for its higher cost of living.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in San Diego?
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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 Diego. 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