Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $55.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $55.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,739 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,446 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Costa Mesa, the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians is projected to reach $55.65 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $40.55 per hour. This attractive pay level offers viable opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various healthcare settings, including hospital imaging suites, outpatient centers, and urgent care X-ray rooms. For those working a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, the earning potential ranges broadly from $38.46 as an entry-level rate to $85.00 for top earners. Given the pay is derived from annual salary data, it paints a picture of a competitive environment for those entering or advancing within this field in Costa Mesa, CA.
About the Costa Mesa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.46 | $307.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.42 | $355.37 |
| Median (P50) | $55.65 | $445.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.07 | $560.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.00 | $680.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $55.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.65/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $115,743 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,775. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,225.83 | $9,645 | $115,743 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,335.50 | $5,787 | $69,446 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $890.33 | $3,858 | $46,297 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Costa Mesa) | $55.65 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $115,739 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.22% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 0.50% above the California state average of $115,163.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.65/hr = $69,446/year (purchasing power: $61,402).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,743/year (purchasing power: $102,337).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Costa Mesa grew 32.4% from $39.92/hr (2019) to $52.85/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.59/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
For part-time professionals, working two 12-hour shifts a week could yield earnings of approximately $43,619 annually versus the full-time potential, which may significantly climb with additional hours and responsibilities. Per-diem radiologic technologists often charge between $40 and $60 per hour, with cross-trained CT and MRI specialists seeing a surge in compensation, sometimes reaching $50 to $75. Meanwhile, travel contracts for technologists can yield impressive weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, providing flexibility and financial incentives. Hourly rates may also vary by employer type; for instance, hospital imaging departments typically offer more stable compensation compared to outpatient and mobile X-ray companies. Healthcare benefits often accompany lower hourly wages, while higher pay may come devoid of such coverage, prompting professionals to weigh options carefully. As you negotiate contracts, consider factors like local demand, your modality specialties, and the overall cost of living in the area to ensure you're maximizing your earning potential as a radiologic technologist and technician in Costa Mesa, CA.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Costa Mesa?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time radiologic technologist and technician make per year in Costa Mesa?
Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Costa Mesa?
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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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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 5.29%, 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