Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Westminster, CA: $62.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Westminster, CA runs $62.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,666 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,397 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, the projected hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist stands at $62.82, significantly above the national average of $48.21. This rate reflects the high demand and specialized skill set required in the field, which is especially relevant for those working in various settings including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For part-time workers operating three days a week, this translates to considerable earnings, potentially allowing for a comfortable income while accommodating personal schedules. Entry-level technologists at the 10th percentile earn about $44.90 per hour, while those at the top end of the spectrum can command up to $84.33 per hour. Such variability offers flexibility not only for full-time employees but also for per-diem workers who seek to balance work and personal life.
About the Westminster 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) | $44.90 | $359.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.71 | $421.72 |
| Median (P50) | $62.82 | $502.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.44 | $563.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.33 | $674.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $62.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.82/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CA can expect to earn approximately $130,662 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,382. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,512.74 | $10,889 | $130,662 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,507.64 | $6,533 | $78,397 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,005.10 | $4,355 | $52,265 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Westminster) | $62.82 |
| 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 Westminster, CA earn a median of $130,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.30% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.10% above the California state average of $129,244.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.82/hr = $78,397/year (purchasing power: $69,317).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,662/year (purchasing power: $115,528).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Westminster grew 30.1% from $45.99/hr (2019) to $59.81/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.98/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
Considering part-time opportunities, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working a typical 24-hour week could earn around $78,547 annually, a sum that supports a good lifestyle even if on a part-time schedule. Many technologists in Westminster also explore per-diem options, where pay rates range from $55 to $85 per hour, with niche areas like cardiac MRI providing even higher compensation. Travel assignments can be particularly lucrative, with contracts ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 a week, especially for those specialized in cardiac or prostate imaging. The differences in hourly rates across various employer types—such as hospitals versus outpatient imaging centers—often lead professionals to weigh their options carefully. Technologists might accept lower pay for the security of health benefits or pursue higher hourly wages without such coverage. For those in Westminster, negotiation skills can greatly influence earnings, enabling workers to tailor their work-life balance according to their personal and financial goals.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Westminster?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Westminster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Westminster?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Westminster?
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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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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