Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in West Covina, CA: $62.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in West Covina, CA runs $62.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,545 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against West Covina's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,729 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Covina, the projected hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists stands at $62.28, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $48.21. This competitive rate makes full-time positions attractive and opens up viable pathways for part-time and per-diem roles. Technologists working part-time, for instance, might find themselves in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, or mobile MRI units, typically earning an hourly rate that ranges from $45.90 for entry-level positions to $85.45 for experienced practitioners. This strong hourly compensation reflects the increasing demand for specialized skills in settings that often include advanced 1.5T and 3T MRI technology, underscoring the value of this talent in the fast-evolving field of medical imaging.
About the West Covina 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) | $45.90 | $367.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.32 | $426.59 |
| Median (P50) | $62.28 | $498.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.37 | $547.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.45 | $683.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Covina
Based on $62.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.28/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Covina, CA can expect to earn approximately $129,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,739. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Covina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Covina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,491.31 | $10,796 | $129,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,494.79 | $6,477 | $77,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $996.52 | $4,318 | $51,819 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (West Covina) | $62.28 |
| 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 West Covina, CA earn a median of $129,545 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.18% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.20% above the California state average of $129,286.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.28/hr = $77,729/year (purchasing power: $68,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,548/year (purchasing power: $114,543).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in West Covina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Covina grew 30.1% from $45.59/hr (2019) to $59.30/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.42/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 West Covina 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 West Covina
Exploring the earning potential of part-time technologists in West Covina reveals distinct financial dynamics. A 24-hour work week, or three days, could yield approximately $77,094 annually, illustrating a steady income of over $6,424 a month, while full-time workers may enjoy more stability but should consider the implications of hourly rates and benefits. For per-diem roles, MRI technologists can expect to charge between $55 and $85 an hour, with specialized skills like cardiac MRI reportedly attracting rates as high as $110. Mobile MRI service contracts are appealing as well, often offering between $2,200 and $3,400 a week. The type of employer greatly influences hourly rates; those employed at major hospitals might earn differently than technologists at freestanding imaging centers or orthopedic practices. Thus, weighing the pros and cons of higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates with health insurance becomes a vital consideration for many in this field. Technologists negotiating their salary should emphasize their credentials, whether it be from pathways like ARRT or MRSO certification, to achieve more favorable terms in an increasingly competitive market.
More salary data for West Covina, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Covina in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in West Covina?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in West Covina paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in West Covina?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in West Covina?
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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 West Covina. 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 West Covina 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