Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Union City, CA: $62.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Union City, CA runs $62.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,560 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,742 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Union City, California, offers competitive compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, with an hourly median pay of $62.29. This rate significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $48.21, reflecting the specialized skillset and demand for MRI professionals in the region. For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week typically results in a substantial income given the median rate, while per-diem technologists can find diverse employment in settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and mobile imaging units. The hourly compensation ranges from $43.91 for entry-level positions to $80.26 for experienced top earners, highlighting the potential for lucrative roles depending on skill and experience.
About the Union City 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) | $43.91 | $351.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.00 | $431.97 |
| Median (P50) | $62.29 | $498.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.83 | $542.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.26 | $642.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $62.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.29/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,570 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,752. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,491.73 | $10,798 | $129,570 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,495.04 | $6,479 | $77,742 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $996.69 | $4,319 | $51,828 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Union City) | $62.29 |
| 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 Union City, CA earn a median of $129,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.19% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.20% above the California state average of $129,301.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.29/hr = $77,742/year (purchasing power: $68,737).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,570/year (purchasing power: $114,562).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Union City grew 30.1% from $45.60/hr (2019) to $59.31/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.43/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 Union City 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 Union City
When analyzing the earning potential for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working part-time, earning around $62.29 per hour can translate into a significant annual income of approximately $97,884 for a 24-hour workweek. In contrast, full-time technologists earning the same hourly rate can reach much higher annual totals. The per diem scenario varies, as MRI technologists often bill between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists sometimes earning up to $110 per hour. In Union City, hourly rates can vary greatly based on the type of employer; hospital imaging departments generally offer more competitive wages compared to outpatient MRI centers or mobile imaging services. Some technologists may choose employment with agencies offering higher hourly pay for temporary roles over stable positions with health insurance, making the decision highly individual. Additionally, negotiating hourly pay can be beneficial, especially in per diem situations, where showing proficiency in advanced imaging techniques may justify a higher wage.
More salary data for Union City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Union City in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Union City?
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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 Union City. 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 Union City 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