Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in South Gate, CA: $61.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in South Gate, CA runs $61.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,338 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against South Gate's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,405 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Gate, California, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at $61.22, which is significantly higher than the national average of $48.21. This improved rate results in attractive options for both part-time and per-diem roles across various workplace settings, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI facilities. For those seeking flexibility, working three days a week translates to robust earnings, while per-diem positions commonly offer competitive hourly rates ranging from $46.11 to $82.88 as technologists transition into or supplement various roles in this specialized field. With entry-level positions earning around $46.11 and experienced professionals reaching up to $82.88, this variety creates ample opportunities to find suitable employment depending on career goals.
About the South Gate 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) | $46.11 | $368.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.80 | $414.41 |
| Median (P50) | $61.22 | $489.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.07 | $552.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.88 | $663.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Gate
Based on $61.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.22/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Gate, CA can expect to earn approximately $127,342 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,466. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Gate.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Gate
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,448.88 | $10,612 | $127,342 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,469.33 | $6,367 | $76,405 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $979.55 | $4,245 | $50,937 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (South Gate) | $61.22 |
| 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 South Gate, CA earn a median of $127,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.98% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.50% below the California state average of $129,278.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.22/hr = $76,405/year (purchasing power: $67,555).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,342/year (purchasing power: $112,592).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Gate grew 30.1% from $44.82/hr (2019) to $58.29/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.30/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 South Gate 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 South Gate
Understanding the earning potential for part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists can be quite illuminating. For instance, a 24-hour work week (three days) can yield a respectable income over the course of a year, though it would still pale in comparison to full-time earnings. In contrast, per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists often find themselves charging anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour based on their specialty and skill level, with advanced roles such as cardiac MRI yielding rates as high as $110 per hour. Moreover, travel contracts for MRI techs can offer lucrative weekly pay from $2,200 to $3,400, creating appealing paths for those willing to embrace mobility. Hourly wages may shift based on the type of employer, with hospitals often providing benefits, whereas outpatient centers and mobile companies can prioritize higher pay. It’s beneficial for MRI technologists to weigh options carefully, considering the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus more stable roles that include health insurance. As they explore opportunities, negotiating hourly pay — particularly in a vibrant market like South Gate — is crucial for maximizing their financial rewards.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in South Gate in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in South Gate?
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How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in South Gate?
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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 South Gate. 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 South Gate 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