Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $56.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Santa Maria, CA runs $56.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,630 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.8, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,985 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Maria, radiologic technologists and technicians receive a median hourly pay of $56.08, significantly higher than the national median of $40.55. This competitive rate allows professionals in the field to earn a substantial income even when working part-time or per-diem schedules. For instance, those employed three days a week can expect to earn around $43,088 annually, providing a viable income without the commitment of full-time work in diverse settings such as hospital imaging suites, outpatient facilities, and urgent care centers. The hourly range varies, with entry-level positions starting at about $31.54 and experienced technologists reaching as high as $70.88, reflecting the demand for skilled practitioners in varied specializations including CT, MRI, and mammography. These figures stem from the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.54 | $252.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.95 | $383.59 |
| Median (P50) | $56.08 | $448.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.62 | $556.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.88 | $567.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria
Based on $56.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.08/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $116,641 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,293. With a cost-of-living index of 108.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,243.10 | $9,720 | $116,641 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,345.86 | $5,832 | $69,985 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $897.24 | $3,888 | $46,656 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Santa Maria) | $56.08 |
| 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 Santa Maria, CA earn a median of $116,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.27% higher than the national median of $84,348 and 1.30% above the California state average of $115,133.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.08/hr = $69,985/year (purchasing power: $64,325).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,641/year (purchasing power: $107,209).
CoL index: 108.798 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Santa Maria grew 24.8% from $42.68/hr (2019) to $53.26/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.04/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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria
Part-time radiologic technologists and technicians in Santa Maria can strategically balance their work-life commitments while still earning a respectable income. For those pursuing per diem roles, typical billing rates range from $40 to $60 per hour, with professionals certified in CT or MRI often earning between $50 and $75 per hour. In contrast, travel contracts bring higher earning potential, with weekly sums ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for positions requiring specialized skills like CT or MRI. Hourly pay varies across different employer types; for instance, hospital settings may provide higher rates but often include extensive benefits packages, while outpatient imaging centers or mobile X-ray companies might offer more flexibility at lower hourly rates. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for negotiating pay; radiologic technologists should weigh the trade-off between hourly wages and benefits, considering their financial needs and lifestyle preferences as they embark on their careers in Santa Maria, CA.
More salary data for Santa Maria, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Santa Maria in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Santa Maria?
Are radiologic technologists and technicians in Santa Maria paid hourly or salary?
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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 Santa Maria. 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