Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bakersfield, CA: $50.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Bakersfield, CA runs $50.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Bakersfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,679 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, the radiologic technologist and technician hourly pay in Bakersfield, California, stands at a robust $50.22, positioning it well above the national hourly median of $40.55. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day workweek, this translates into significant earnings that can rival full-time salaries if they choose to work additional shifts or per-diem opportunities. The hourly range for these professionals varies considerably, from $34.82 for entry-level positions to $63.16 for seasoned experts, providing ample opportunity for advancement in settings like hospital imaging suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile X-ray units. This data is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics, underscoring the competitive nature of the field in Bakersfield.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.82 | $278.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.28 | $330.27 |
| Median (P50) | $50.22 | $401.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.35 | $482.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.16 | $505.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bakersfield
Based on $50.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.22/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bakersfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $104,465 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,268. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bakersfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bakersfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,008.93 | $8,705 | $104,465 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,205.36 | $5,223 | $62,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.57 | $3,482 | $41,786 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Bakersfield) | $50.22 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $104,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.84% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 9.30% below the California state average of $115,169.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.22/hr = $62,679/year (purchasing power: $62,128).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,465/year (purchasing power: $103,547).
CoL index: 100.886 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Bakersfield grew 32.1% from $36.10/hr (2019) to $47.70/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bakersfield 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 5.29% 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 Radiologic Technologist and Technician in Bakersfield
Exploring part-time earning prospects, a radiologic technologist and technician working 24 hours per week can anticipate an annual take-home that reflects their hourly commitment—typically aligning closely with full-time equivalents if they strategically choose shifts wisely. Many per-diem radiologic technologists in Bakersfield earn between $40 and $60 an hour, while those trained in CT and MRI can command $50 to $75 per hour. Travel positions often offer even higher premiums, with weekly contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, appealing to those seeking flexibility and adventure. Hourly rates can differ based on employer type; for instance, hospital imaging departments might offer more stable pay than outpatient clinics or agency roles, which typically provide higher hourly wages but less job security. Technologists often face decisions between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher pay without health insurance, making negotiation skills crucial in Bakersfield's job market. Knowledge of market trends and the specific demands of different imaging specializations, such as mammography or orthopedic surgery practices, will greatly assist in crafting successful salary discussions.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Bakersfield in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Bakersfield?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Bakersfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Bakersfield?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bakersfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
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 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in Bakersfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov