MRI Technologist Pay

Concord vs San Diego: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Concord, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Concord, CA
$132,532
$63.72/hr
San Diego, CA
$129,271
$62.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricConcord, CASan Diego, CA
Median Salary$132,532$129,271
Hourly Rate$63.72$62.15
Entry Level (P10)$92,161$78,247
25th Percentile$109,194$96,985
75th Percentile$149,133$149,804
Top Earner (P90)$179,861$160,853
Total Employed29320
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Concord ($132,532) and San Diego ($129,271) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.ConcordSan DiegoMedian Salary$132,532$129,271Entry Level (P10)$92,161$78,247Top Earner (P90)$179,861$160,853US Median $100,283

Verdict

Concord, CA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.

The salary gap between Concord and San Diego is $3,261 (2.52%). Concord's median is +32.16% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Concord spans $87,700,San Diego spans $82,606. Concord has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Concord
P10 (Entry)$92,161
P25$109,194
Median$132,532
P75$149,133
P90 (Top)$179,861
San Diego
P10 (Entry)$78,247
P25$96,985
Median$129,271
P75$149,804
P90 (Top)$160,853

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Concord ($117,181 effective) pays 1.42% more than San Diego ($115,537 effective).

Concord
Nominal: $132,532
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $117,181
San Diego
Nominal: $129,271
CoL Index: 111.887
Adjusted: $115,537

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Concord if…

  • Higher median salary ($132,532/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($179,861)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,181)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose San Diego if…

  • Larger job market (320 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 Concord grew -7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.

Concord, CA

+-7.8%

$136,825 (2024) → $126,185 (2025)

San Diego, CA

+28.1%

$96,100 (2019) → $123,080 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Concord or San Diego?

Concord has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $132,532/year, compared to San Diego at $129,271/year — a difference of $3,261 (2.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Concord and San Diego?

Concord magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $63.72/hr while San Diego hygienists earn $62.15/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Concord to San Diego as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Concord and San Diego. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Concord = $117,181, San Diego = $115,537), job availability (29 vs 320 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Concord vs San Diego?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $92,161 in Concord and $78,247 in San Diego. The Concord 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