Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Santa Cruz, CA: $62.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Santa Cruz, CA runs $62.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Santa Cruz's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,572 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Cruz, the projected magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at $62.16, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.21. A compensation like this allows those working part-time—say, three days a week—to earn a commendable income while also enjoying flexibility in their schedules. Such roles are typically found in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and on-site MRI rooms at orthopedic practices. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $46.76 per hour, while experienced technologists can command rates upwards of $86.04. This hourly framework illustrates the strong demand for MRI specialists in the region, underscoring a lucrative niche within the radiologic technology field.
About the Santa Cruz 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) | $46.76 | $374.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.72 | $429.78 |
| Median (P50) | $62.16 | $497.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.52 | $540.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.04 | $688.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Cruz
Based on $62.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.16/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Cruz, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,286 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,588. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Cruz.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Cruz
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,486.27 | $10,774 | $129,286 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,491.76 | $6,464 | $77,572 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $994.51 | $4,310 | $51,714 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Santa Cruz) | $62.16 |
| 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 Cruz, CA earn a median of $129,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.92% higher than the national median of $100,283.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.16/hr = $77,572/year (purchasing power: $68,587).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,286/year (purchasing power: $114,311).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Santa Cruz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Cruz grew 30.1% from $45.50/hr (2019) to $59.18/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.28/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 Cruz 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 Cruz
When considering part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week at the hourly rate can bring home about $77,016 annually, providing a substantial income without the full-time commitment. On the per-diem side, many MRI techs bill anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiac MRI demanding even higher rates of $75 to $110. Travel opportunities also abound, with contracts offering between $2,200 and $3,400 per week. Hourly wages can fluctuate based on employer type in Santa Cruz; for instance, hospital imaging departments might offer different pay structures than outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed. While some may choose positions with lower hourly pay for the security of health benefits, others might prefer higher rates without the perks. Skilled technologists can effectively negotiate their hourly rates by emphasizing their expertise and the growing significance of specialties such as cardiac MRI and mpMRI.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Cruz in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Santa Cruz?
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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 Santa Cruz. 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 Cruz 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