Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $73.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in San Francisco, CA runs $73.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,617 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,174 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Francisco is projected to be $73.86, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This disparity reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in MRI suites across various settings such as hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, mobile trailers, orthopedic on-site facilities, and dedicated breast imaging centers. For those in part-time roles, working three days a week could yield a comfortable income, particularly given the hourly rate range in San Francisco from $48.26 to $92.09, which caters to entry-level positions and top earners alike. The official hourly data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, illustrates the lucrative potential within this specialized field.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.26 | $386.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.20 | $409.62 |
| Median (P50) | $73.86 | $590.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88.93 | $711.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.09 | $736.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $73.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.86/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $153,623 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,629. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,954.28 | $12,802 | $153,623 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,772.57 | $7,681 | $92,174 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,181.71 | $5,121 | $61,449 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (San Francisco) | $73.86 |
| 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 Francisco, CA earn a median of $153,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 53.18% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 18.80% above the California state average of $129,307.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.86/hr = $92,174/year (purchasing power: $79,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,623/year (purchasing power: $132,877).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Francisco grew 41.6% from $49.67/hr (2019) to $70.32/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $77.57/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 Francisco 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 Francisco
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists working part-time, the financial outlook is promising. A technologist who works 24 hours a week can expect to bring home approximately $57,000 annually, a solid income compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem roles, such as those available through travel agencies or local hospitals, typically offer between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists commanding rates as high as $110. This variability in pay can be attributed to differences in employer types, such as hospital imaging departments versus freestanding outpatient centers like RadNet. Many professionals weigh the choice of accepting lower hourly rates with benefits against opportunities for higher pay without insurance. As negotiations unfold in the competitive San Francisco market, understanding these dynamics can be crucial for securing optimal compensation within the field.
More salary data for San Francisco, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Francisco. 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