Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Visalia, CA: $62.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Visalia, CA runs $62.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,475 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Visalia's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,279 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Visalia, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a competitive $62.72, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This lucrative rate reflects the specialty's high demand, offering part-time professionals and per-diem workers substantial earnings in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile trailers, and orthopedic on-site clinics. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn approximately $42.00 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command upward of $87.01, making it an attractive career path for both full-time and per-diem opportunities in the region. This hourly data, estimated using projections from annual salary figures, indicates a healthy job market for those with the ARRT(R)(MR) credential or those pursuing ASRT and ARMRIT pathways.
About the Visalia 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) | $42.00 | $336.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.24 | $433.90 |
| Median (P50) | $62.72 | $501.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.84 | $574.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.01 | $696.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Visalia
Based on $62.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.72/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Visalia, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,466 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,269. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Visalia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Visalia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,508.96 | $10,872 | $130,466 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,505.37 | $6,523 | $78,279 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,003.58 | $4,349 | $52,186 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Visalia) | $62.72 |
| 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 Visalia, CA earn a median of $130,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.11% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% above the California state average of $129,311.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.72/hr = $78,279/year (purchasing power: $69,213).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,466/year (purchasing power: $115,354).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Visalia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Visalia grew 30.1% from $45.92/hr (2019) to $59.72/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.88/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 Visalia 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 Visalia
Within Visalia, the earning potential for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist who opts for a part-time schedule—working three days a week for around 24 hours—can yield an annual income of approximately $78,258, compared to a full-time salary reaching up to nearly $130,475. Per-diem MRI technologists often charge between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists sometimes earning $75-$110 hourly, while traveling MRI contracts can provide substantial weekly rates of $2,200 to $3,400. Hourly pay can vary by employer type; hospital imaging departments generally provide steady salaries with benefits, whereas outpatient centers or travel positions may offer higher hourly rates without perks. For those negotiating terms, it’s prudent to consider the trade-off between securing higher rates versus the stability that benefits from traditional employment may offer, allowing workers in Visalia the flexibility to choose their ideal balance.
More salary data for Visalia, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Visalia in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Visalia?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Visalia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Visalia?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Visalia?
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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 Visalia. 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 Visalia 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