Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Tulare, CA: $62.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Tulare, CA runs $62.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,605 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Tulare's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,358 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tulare, California, the hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist averages $62.79, significantly eclipsing the national hourly median of $48.21. This competitive rate offers attractive earning potential for both part-time and per-diem workers. For instance, those working three days a week can expect to earn approximately $50,000 annually if averaging 24 hours per week, while per-diem techs working on hospital MRI suites or freestanding imaging centers can command rates typically between $55 and $85 per hour. The hourly range in Tulare spans from $45.02 for entry-level positions to $81.78 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the high demand for skilled MRI technologists in various settings, including mobile MRI trailers and orthopedic imaging rooms.
About the Tulare 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) | $45.02 | $360.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.66 | $421.30 |
| Median (P50) | $62.79 | $502.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.05 | $552.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.78 | $654.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulare
Based on $62.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.79/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulare, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,597 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,344. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tulare.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulare
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,511.48 | $10,883 | $130,597 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,506.89 | $6,530 | $78,358 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,004.59 | $4,353 | $52,239 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Tulare) | $62.79 |
| 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 Tulare, CA earn a median of $130,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.24% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.00% above the California state average of $129,312.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.79/hr = $78,358/year (purchasing power: $69,282).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,597/year (purchasing power: $115,470).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tulare grew 30.1% from $45.96/hr (2019) to $59.78/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.95/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 Tulare 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 Tulare
The earnings landscape in Tulare reflects diverse pathways for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, particularly those factoring in part-time roles and per-diem contracts. A three-day work week translates into a reliable income, allowing technologists the flexibility to balance their professional and personal lives while still bringing home a steady paycheck. Per-diem MRI techs enjoy the flexibility of choosing their shifts, with some billing up to $110 per hour for cardiac MRI services. Furthermore, compensation may differ based on employer type, with hospital departments often offering stability and benefits packages, while outpatient centers might provide higher pay but without health insurance. Navigating these choices requires consideration of the overall compensation structure; some technologists may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits. For those seeking to maximize their hourly pay in Tulare, negotiation strategies that emphasize skill specialization, familiarity with advanced 3T and cardiac MRI technology, and adaptability to various work environments can be highly effective in securing favorable compensation.
More salary data for Tulare, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tulare in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Tulare?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tulare paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Tulare?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Tulare?
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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 Tulare. 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 Tulare 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