Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $54.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Lake Forest, CA runs $54.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,091 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Lake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,856 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Forest, California, the median hourly pay for radiologic technologists and technicians stands at $54.37, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $40.55. This elevated rate reflects the area's competitive healthcare environment, offering opportunities in hospital imaging suites, outpatient imaging centers, and urgent care facilities. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,300 weekly, allowing for a substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Entry-level positions may start around $39.42, while experienced individuals can earn as much as $81.08 per hour, providing a broad spectrum for negotiation and advancement in the field. These figures, while derived from projected annual salaries, give a clear snapshot of the earning potential available to radiologic technologists and technicians in the region.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $39.42 | $315.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.63 | $349.06 |
| Median (P50) | $54.37 | $434.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.60 | $540.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.08 | $648.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Forest
Based on $54.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.37/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Forest, CA can expect to earn approximately $113,093 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,246. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,174.87 | $9,424 | $113,093 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,304.92 | $5,655 | $67,856 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $869.95 | $3,770 | $45,237 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Lake Forest) | $54.37 |
| 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 Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $113,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.08% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 1.80% below the California state average of $115,164.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.37/hr = $67,856/year (purchasing power: $59,996).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,093/year (purchasing power: $99,994).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Lake Forest grew 32.4% from $39.01/hr (2019) to $51.64/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.25/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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
Considering part-time work in Lake Forest, a radiologic technologist or technician logging 24 hours a week could expect an annual take-home of about $67,602, which is a notable amount compared to full-time counterparts. In per-diem settings, professionals might see rates ranging between $40 and $60 per hour, although those cross-trained in CT or MRI can command even higher pay, with premiums reflecting advanced competencies in imaging technology. Travel contracts for radiologic technologies often promise weekly earnings from $1,800 to $2,800, appealing to those seeking flexibility and travel opportunities. Hourly rates may also differ based on employer types, with mobile X-ray companies and outpatient centers offering variable pay structures. Ultimately, many technologists find themselves weighing the benefits of comprehensive health insurance against higher hourly wages that come with fewer benefits, a crucial consideration for those making career moves in Lake Forest. Engaging in thoughtful negotiation, especially for those in less traditional roles, can lead to advantageous outcomes in securing better compensation.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Lake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Lake Forest?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Lake Forest paid hourly or salary?
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Do radiologic technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Forest?
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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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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