Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $63.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Santa Maria, CA runs $63.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,981 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.8, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,197 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Maria, California, earn a median hourly rate of $63.46, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This elevated rate supports both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem roles, particularly in environments like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. The hourly pay range for MRI technologists varies, with entry-level positions starting around $46.35, while experienced professionals can earn up to $76.60. Such compensation reflects the specialized skills required in this field, making it an attractive option for those exploring careers in radiologic technology, particularly in regions with a cost of living index above the national average.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.35 | $370.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.13 | $401.05 |
| Median (P50) | $63.46 | $507.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.12 | $568.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.60 | $612.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria
Based on $63.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.46/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $131,995 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,151. With a cost-of-living index of 108.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,538.37 | $11,000 | $131,995 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,523.02 | $6,600 | $79,197 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,015.35 | $4,400 | $52,798 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Santa Maria) | $63.46 |
| 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 Maria, CA earn a median of $131,981 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.61% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.10% above the California state average of $129,266.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.46/hr = $79,197/year (purchasing power: $72,793).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,995/year (purchasing power: $121,321).
CoL index: 108.798 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Maria grew 30.1% from $46.45/hr (2019) to $60.42/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.65/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 Maria 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 Maria
The earning potential for those working part-time—say, three days a week totaling 24 hours—can yield roughly $78,936 annually, presenting a practical option for professionals seeking flexible work arrangements. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, the pay varies widely, with standard rates ranging from $55-$85 per hour, and more specialized cardiac MRI roles bringing in between $75-$110 per hour. While travel contracts can offer lucrative weekly pay, often between $2,200-$3,400, there are trade-offs to consider, such as lack of benefits with higher pay rates. Salary differences can also emerge based on employer type, with hospital departments occasionally offering lower hourly wages compared to outpatient centers or mobile MRI providers, which may provide additional incentives. When negotiating pay, technologists should assess their value based on skills and explore whether they prefer a higher hourly rate without benefits or a lower rate with health coverage.
More salary data for Santa Maria, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Maria in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Santa Maria?
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How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Santa Maria?
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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 Maria. 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, 2-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