Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $51.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Merced, CA runs $51.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,764 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,058 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Merced, California, radiologic technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $51.33, which surpasses the national median of $40.55. This competitive rate benefits those considering part-time or per-diem positions, as a part-time worker on a 3-day schedule can expect to earn a significant income while enjoying the flexibility these roles provide in various settings, including hospital imaging suites, outpatient imaging centers, and urgent care facilities. The hourly wage range in Merced varies significantly from $28.89 for entry-level positions to $80.59 for top earners in the industry, reflecting the opportunities for advancement through modality specialization and additional training. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting not only the competitive nature of this profession in Merced but also the potential for strong earnings in diverse imaging environments.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.89 | $231.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.14 | $337.10 |
| Median (P50) | $51.33 | $410.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.60 | $532.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.59 | $644.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $51.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.33/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $106,764 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,595. With a cost-of-living index of 98.28 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,053.15 | $8,897 | $106,764 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,231.89 | $5,338 | $64,058 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $821.26 | $3,559 | $42,706 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Merced) | $51.33 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $106,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.58% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 7.30% below the California state average of $115,172.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.33/hr = $64,058/year (purchasing power: $65,183).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,764/year (purchasing power: $108,638).
CoL index: 98.275 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Merced grew 32.4% from $36.82/hr (2019) to $48.75/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.04/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 Merced 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 Merced
Part-time radiologic technologists and technicians working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can expect an annual take-home that remains attractive, compared to a full-time salary. For example, a per diem radiologic technologist in Merced could bill around $40 to $60 per hour, providing a solid income stream without the commitments of a full-time role. Those with cross-training in modalities such as CT or MRI can command even higher rates, with some positions offering $50 to $75 per hour. Differences in hourly pay can also be found across employer types; for instance, hospital imaging departments may offer stability while outpatient centers and mobile X-ray units might provide more flexible or higher pay but with varying benefits. Lower hourly rates often come with benefits like health insurance, creating a trade-off that professionals must weigh when considering their employment options. Practicing effective negotiation can also enhance remuneration; understanding local market rates and showcasing credentials from ASRT and ARRT can give radiologic technologists an edge.
More salary data for Merced, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Merced. 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, 5-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