MRI Technologist Pay

Indio vs San Francisco: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Indio, CA
$126,918
$61.02/hr
San Francisco, CA
$153,617
$73.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIndio, CASan Francisco, CA
Median Salary$126,918$153,617
Hourly Rate$61.02$73.86
Entry Level (P10)$94,911$100,388
25th Percentile$109,667$106,500
75th Percentile$142,689$184,968
Top Earner (P90)$170,997$191,533
Total Employed23420
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Indio ($126,918) and San Francisco ($153,617) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.IndioSan FranciscoMedian Salary$126,918$153,617Entry Level (P10)$94,911$100,388Top Earner (P90)$170,997$191,533US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Indio and San Francisco is $26,699 (21.04%). San Francisco's median is +53.18% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indio spans $76,086,San Francisco spans $91,145. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Indio
P10 (Entry)$94,911
P25$109,667
Median$126,918
P75$142,689
P90 (Top)$170,997
San Francisco
P10 (Entry)$100,388
P25$106,500
Median$153,617
P75$184,968
P90 (Top)$191,533

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($132,872 effective) pays 18.41% more than Indio ($112,218 effective).

Indio
Nominal: $126,918
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $112,218
San Francisco
Nominal: $153,617
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $132,872

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Indio if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose San Francisco if…

  • Higher median salary ($153,617/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($191,533)
  • Larger job market (420 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,872)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Indio grew -7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.

Indio, CA

+-7.8%

$131,029 (2024) → $120,840 (2025)

San Francisco, CA

+41.6%

$103,310 (2019) → $146,260 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Indio or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $153,617/year, compared to Indio at $126,918/year — a difference of $26,699 (21.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Indio and San Francisco?

Indio magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $61.02/hr while San Francisco hygienists earn $73.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Indio to San Francisco as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Indio and San Francisco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Indio = $112,218, San Francisco = $132,872), job availability (23 vs 420 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Indio vs San Francisco?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $94,911 in Indio and $100,388 in San Francisco. The San Francisco 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