MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Los Angeles, CA
$115,323
$55.45/hr
Ontario, CA
$112,843
$54.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLos Angeles, CAOntario, CA
Median Salary$115,323$112,843
Hourly Rate$55.45$54.25
Entry Level (P10)$67,608$78,185
25th Percentile$89,832$92,758
75th Percentile$142,011$126,759
Top Earner (P90)$167,145$152,772
Total Employed1,29042
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Los Angeles ($115,323) and Ontario ($112,843) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Los AngelesOntarioMedian Salary$115,323$112,843Entry Level (P10)$67,608$78,185Top Earner (P90)$167,145$152,772US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Los Angeles and Ontario is $2,480 (2.20%). Los Angeles's median is +15.00% 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,Ontario spans $74,587. 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
Ontario
P10 (Entry)$78,185
P25$92,758
Median$112,843
P75$126,759
P90 (Top)$152,772

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($101,547 effective) pays 1.78% more than Ontario ($99,773 effective).

Los Angeles
Nominal: $115,323
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $101,547
Ontario
Nominal: $112,843
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $99,773

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Higher median salary ($115,323/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($167,145)
  • Larger job market (1,290 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,547)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Ontario if…

  • 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 -21.4% growth in Ontario over the same period.

Los Angeles, CA

+9.3%

$100,430 (2019) → $109,800 (2025)

Ontario, CA

+-21.4%

$136,610 (2024) → $107,439 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Los Angeles has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $115,323/year, compared to Ontario at $112,843/year — a difference of $2,480 (2.20%).

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

Los Angeles magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $55.45/hr while Ontario hygienists earn $54.25/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Los Angeles and Ontario. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Los Angeles = $101,547, job availability (1,290 vs 42 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $67,608 in Los Angeles and $78,185 in Ontario. The Ontario 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