MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Los Angeles, CA
$115,323
$55.45/hr
Oakley, CA
$125,137
$60.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLos Angeles, CAOakley, CA
Median Salary$115,323$125,137
Hourly Rate$55.45$60.16
Entry Level (P10)$67,608$87,970
25th Percentile$89,832$110,738
75th Percentile$142,011$139,482
Top Earner (P90)$167,145$165,054
Total Employed1,2908
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Los Angeles ($115,323) and Oakley ($125,137) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Los AngelesOakleyMedian Salary$115,323$125,137Entry Level (P10)$67,608$87,970Top Earner (P90)$167,145$165,054US Median $100,283

Verdict

Los Angeles and Oakley are closely matched on overall magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Los Angeles and Oakley is $9,814 (8.51%). Oakley's median is +24.78% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $99,537,Oakley spans $77,084. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$67,608
P25$89,832
Median$115,323
P75$142,011
P90 (Top)$167,145
Oakley
P10 (Entry)$87,970
P25$110,738
Median$125,137
P75$139,482
P90 (Top)$165,054

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Oakley ($110,643 effective) pays 8.96% more than Los Angeles ($101,547 effective).

Los Angeles
Nominal: $115,323
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $101,547
Oakley
Nominal: $125,137
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $110,643

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($167,145)
  • Larger job market (1,290 employed)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Oakley if…

  • Higher median salary ($125,137/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,643)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Los Angeles grew 9.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.8% growth in Oakley over the same period.

Los Angeles, CA

+9.3%

$100,430 (2019) → $109,800 (2025)

Oakley, CA

+-7.8%

$129,190 (2024) → $119,144 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Oakley has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $125,137/year, compared to Los Angeles at $115,323/year — a difference of $9,814 (8.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Oakley?

Los Angeles magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $55.45/hr while Oakley hygienists earn $60.16/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Los Angeles and Oakley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Los Angeles = $101,547, Oakley = $110,643), job availability (1,290 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $67,608 in Los Angeles and $87,970 in Oakley. The Oakley area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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