Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Santee, CA: $62.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Santee, CA runs $62.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,174 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Santee's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,109 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santee, California, the median hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to reach $62.59 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21 per hour. This favorable rate allows part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, to earn a comfortable income while balancing other commitments. For per-diem technologists, the flexibility to work in diverse environments like outpatient MRI centers and hospital imaging suites not only enhances earning potential but also expands professional experience. With entry-level hourly wages starting at $44.60 and experienced professionals earning up to $81.24 per hour, Santee presents a strong financial opportunity for MRI technologists, reflecting the increasing demand for specialized imaging services across various settings.
About the Santee 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) | $44.60 | $356.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.23 | $417.85 |
| Median (P50) | $62.59 | $500.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.89 | $559.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.24 | $649.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santee
Based on $62.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.59/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santee, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,182 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,105. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,503.50 | $10,848 | $130,182 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,502.10 | $6,509 | $78,109 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,001.40 | $4,339 | $52,073 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Santee) | $62.59 |
| 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 Santee, CA earn a median of $130,174 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.81% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.70% above the California state average of $129,269.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.59/hr = $78,109/year (purchasing power: $69,062).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,182/year (purchasing power: $115,103).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Santee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santee grew 30.1% from $45.82/hr (2019) to $59.59/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.74/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 Santee 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 Santee
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists opting for part-time work in Santee, earning potential remains lucrative. A technologist working 24 hours a week could expect an annual income approaching $78,195, a respectable figure when compared to many full-time positions. Per-diem roles also offer enticing opportunities, with MRI techs charging between $55 and $85 per hour, and specialized roles in cardiac MRI reaching rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts introduce yet another possibility, with weekly payments falling between $2,200 and $3,400 that can significantly enhance yearly earnings. Employers such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile imaging units may offer differing compensation structures and benefits. As some technologists choose higher hourly pay without health benefits, negotiating for a balance between hourly pay and job security becomes essential. For those working in Santee, understanding these dynamics can lead to more informed career decisions in the competitive field of magnetic resonance imaging.
More salary data for Santee, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santee in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Santee?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Santee?
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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 Santee. 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 Santee 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