Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Santa Clara, CA: $90.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Santa Clara, CA runs $90.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $188,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Santa Clara's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $80.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $113,382 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Clara, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $90.85 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.21. This impressive pay scale not only reflects the high demand for MRI technologists in specialized environments, such as hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers, but also indicates the financial viability of part-time schedules. For those working three days a week, often in roles that include mobile MRI trailers or orthopedic on-site rooms, the hourly pay translates to a robust income, providing a solid foundation for personal financial stability. Entry-level technologists can expect hourly rates beginning at $63.42, while more experienced professionals can earn as much as $120.23 per hour, underscoring a clear progression in pay based on experience and skills.
About the Santa Clara 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) | $63.42 | $507.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78.46 | $627.66 |
| Median (P50) | $90.85 | $726.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.41 | $803.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120.23 | $961.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clara
Based on $90.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $90.85/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clara, CA can expect to earn approximately $188,970 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $109,021. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clara.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clara
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,634.04 | $15,747 | $188,970 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,180.42 | $9,448 | $113,382 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,453.62 | $6,299 | $75,588 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Santa Clara) | $90.85 |
| 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 Santa Clara, CA earn a median of $188,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 88.43% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 46.20% above the California state average of $129,252.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $90.85/hr = $113,382/year (purchasing power: $100,249).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $188,970/year (purchasing power: $167,082).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$66.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$86.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$90.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Santa Clara (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $70.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $72.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $86.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Clara grew 30.1% from $66.51/hr (2019) to $86.50/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $95.42/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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara
For part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists, working a 24-hour week yields a notable income of around $112,032 per year, demonstrating that even reduced hours can lead to substantial earnings in this field. Many choose per-diem positions, with a typical rate ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, and specialized cardiac MRI roles reaching up to $110. Santa Clara offers a range of employers, from hospitals to outpatient imaging centers, each impacting hourly compensation. While some technologists may opt for higher hourly rates with fewer benefits, others prefer the security of traditional employment that includes health insurance. Negotiating a better hourly rate often hinges on showcasing specialized skills, particularly in growing subspecialties like cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI, where demand continues to rise. Thus, understanding the nuances of magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Santa Clara is essential for those considering a career in radiologic technology.
More salary data for Santa Clara, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Clara in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Santa Clara?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Clara paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Santa Clara?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Clara?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Santa Clara. 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 Santa Clara 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