Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $62.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Tustin, CA runs $62.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,141 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,480 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tustin, California, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $62.08 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $48.21. This competitive rate presents a lucrative opportunity for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find work in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For those working three days a week, this rate translates into a substantial income that can support a balanced work-life arrangement. Entry-level technologists can anticipate hourly wages starting at around $43.19, while highly experienced professionals may earn up to $81.86, highlighting a broad spectrum of pay based on skill level and facility type.
About the Tustin 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) | $43.19 | $345.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.21 | $409.70 |
| Median (P50) | $62.08 | $496.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.73 | $549.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.86 | $654.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $62.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.08/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,133 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,500. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,483.33 | $10,761 | $129,133 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,490.00 | $6,457 | $77,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $993.33 | $4,304 | $51,653 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Tustin) | $62.08 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $129,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.78% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.10% below the California state average of $129,270.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.08/hr = $77,480/year (purchasing power: $68,506).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,133/year (purchasing power: $114,176).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tustin grew 30.1% from $45.45/hr (2019) to $59.11/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.21/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
Examining the part-time earning potential, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week could gross approximately $77,404 annually, which contrasts with the earning capability of full-time positions. For many, the option to work per diem offers the flexibility to choose hours while earning competitive rates; per diem technicians typically charge between $55 and $85 an hour, with specialized cardiac MRI roles commanding rates as high as $110. In Tustin, earnings may vary depending on the employer—from hospital imaging departments to outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed. Some technologists might favor the stability of a lower hourly wage with benefits, while others prioritize higher rates without advantages. Negotiating effectively is key in this market, and understanding local job dynamics can lead to better pay agreements for both part-time and per diem positions in Tustin.
More salary data for Tustin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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