Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $52.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Chico, CA runs $52.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,449 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,070 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, California, radiologic technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $52.14, significantly higher than the national median of $40.55. This competitive pay scale translates into substantial earning opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in various healthcare settings, such as hospital imaging suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile X-ray units. With an hourly range spanning from $24.75 for entry-level positions to $67.35 for top earners, those in the field have a pathway to advancement through cross-training in modalities like CT and MRI. The official data reflects these prospects and underlines the value of credentialing through ASRT and ARRT as a means to enhance one's marketability.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.75 | $198.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.40 | $235.18 |
| Median (P50) | $52.14 | $417.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.80 | $510.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.35 | $538.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $52.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.14/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $108,450 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,568. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,085.58 | $9,038 | $108,450 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,251.35 | $5,423 | $65,070 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $834.23 | $3,615 | $43,380 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Chico) | $52.14 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $108,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.57% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 5.90% below the California state average of $115,248.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.14/hr = $65,070/year (purchasing power: $64,301).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,450/year (purchasing power: $107,168).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Chico grew 41.9% from $34.89/hr (2019) to $49.52/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.90/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 Chico 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 Chico
As a part-time radiologic technologist or technician working three days a week, one could earn around $40,340 annually based on a schedule of 24 hours per week at the prevailing rates in Chico. For those opting for the flexibility of per-diem work, rates can vary widely; individuals commonly bill between $40-$60 per hour, while specialized roles for cross-trained CT and MRI technicians can fetch up to $75. The nature of employment significantly influences earning potential, as hourly rates may differ across employer types—hospital settings typically offer more consistent hours and benefits, whereas outpatient centers and mobile X-ray services may provide higher hourly rates without benefits. With the increasing consolidation in the outpatient imaging sector, negotiating for a pay rate commensurate with one’s skills and certifications can be vital, especially in a competitive market like Chico, CA.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Chico?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Chico paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Chico?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chico?
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 Chico. 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