Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Pasadena, TX: $51.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Pasadena, TX runs $51.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,320 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,795 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, TX, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $51.12, reflecting a competitive advantage over the national median of $48.21. This translates to a rewarding opportunity for both full-time and part-time professionals working in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. With an hourly range spanning from $37.30 to $69.61, entry-level technologists can expect to start on the lower end while seasoned experts reach the higher brackets. The relatively elevated hourly rates in Pasadena not only enhance the daily income of full-time workers but also benefit those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities, making this field appealing for individuals desiring flexible work schedules.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.30 | $298.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.44 | $347.52 |
| Median (P50) | $51.12 | $408.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.82 | $462.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.61 | $556.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $51.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.12/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, TX can expect to earn approximately $106,326 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,342. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,044.72 | $8,860 | $106,326 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,226.83 | $5,316 | $63,795 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $817.89 | $3,544 | $42,530 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Pasadena) | $51.12 |
| 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 Pasadena, TX earn a median of $106,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 12.30% above the Texas state average of $94,675.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.12/hr = $63,795/year (purchasing power: $66,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,326/year (purchasing power: $110,756).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Pasadena grew 30.1% from $37.42/hr (2019) to $48.67/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.69/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
When examining the part-time earning potential for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week, one might expect an annual take-home of approximately $89,088 compared to full-time earnings. For per-diem or agency positions, technologists can charge rates between $55 and $85 per hour, and specialty roles like cardiac MRI can command even higher premiums ranging from $75 to $110 hourly. Moreover, travel MRI technician contracts often yield weekly earnings between $2,200 and $3,400, particularly for those in high-demand areas. In Pasadena, hourly compensation varies significantly depending on the employer type—hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile services each present distinct trading-off between higher wages and additional benefits, such as health insurance. For those in the market, negotiating hourly rates can be strategic; professionals might opt for slightly lower pay in exchange for benefits, or pursue higher pay roles that lack the perks but offer more take-home pay, a decision influenced by personal financial situations and job security considerations.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Pasadena?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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