MRI Technologist Pay

Citrus Heights vs Los Angeles: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Citrus Heights, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Citrus Heights, CA
$128,710
$61.88/hr
Los Angeles, CA
$115,323
$55.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCitrus Heights, CALos Angeles, CA
Median Salary$128,710$115,323
Hourly Rate$61.88$55.45
Entry Level (P10)$89,365$67,608
25th Percentile$105,655$89,832
75th Percentile$141,960$142,011
Top Earner (P90)$168,839$167,145
Total Employed191,290
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Citrus Heights ($128,710) and Los Angeles ($115,323) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Citrus HeightsLos AngelesMedian Salary$128,710$115,323Entry Level (P10)$89,365$67,608Top Earner (P90)$168,839$167,145US Median $100,283

Verdict

Citrus Heights, CA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.

The salary gap between Citrus Heights and Los Angeles is $13,387 (11.61%). Citrus Heights's median is +28.35% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Citrus Heights spans $79,474,Los Angeles spans $99,537. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Citrus Heights
P10 (Entry)$89,365
P25$105,655
Median$128,710
P75$141,960
P90 (Top)$168,839
Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$67,608
P25$89,832
Median$115,323
P75$142,011
P90 (Top)$167,145

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Citrus Heights ($113,802 effective) pays 12.07% more than Los Angeles ($101,547 effective).

Citrus Heights
Nominal: $128,710
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $113,802
Los Angeles
Nominal: $115,323
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $101,547

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Citrus Heights if…

  • Higher median salary ($128,710/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($168,839)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,802)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Larger job market (1,290 employed)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Citrus Heights grew -7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.3% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.

Citrus Heights, CA

+-7.8%

$132,879 (2024) → $122,546 (2025)

Los Angeles, CA

+9.3%

$100,430 (2019) → $109,800 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Citrus Heights or Los Angeles?

Citrus Heights has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $128,710/year, compared to Los Angeles at $115,323/year — a difference of $13,387 (11.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Citrus Heights and Los Angeles?

Citrus Heights magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $61.88/hr while Los Angeles hygienists earn $55.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Citrus Heights to Los Angeles as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Citrus Heights and Los Angeles. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Citrus Heights = $113,802, Los Angeles = $101,547), job availability (19 vs 1,290 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Citrus Heights vs Los Angeles?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $89,365 in Citrus Heights and $67,608 in Los Angeles. The Citrus Heights area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

CT

Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)

Career Analyst

Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov