MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Perris, CA
$126,366
$60.75/hr
San Diego, CA
$129,271
$62.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPerris, CASan Diego, CA
Median Salary$126,366$129,271
Hourly Rate$60.75$62.15
Entry Level (P10)$93,625$78,247
25th Percentile$108,535$96,985
75th Percentile$144,178$149,804
Top Earner (P90)$169,160$160,853
Total Employed12320
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Perris ($126,366) and San Diego ($129,271) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.PerrisSan DiegoMedian Salary$126,366$129,271Entry Level (P10)$93,625$78,247Top Earner (P90)$169,160$160,853US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Perris and San Diego is $2,905 (2.30%). San Diego's median is +28.91% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Perris spans $75,535,San Diego spans $82,606. San Diego has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Perris
P10 (Entry)$93,625
P25$108,535
Median$126,366
P75$144,178
P90 (Top)$169,160
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, San Diego ($115,537 effective) pays 3.41% more than Perris ($111,729 effective).

Perris
Nominal: $126,366
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $111,729
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 Perris if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($169,160)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose San Diego if…

  • Higher median salary ($129,271/year)
  • Larger job market (320 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,537)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Perris grew -7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.1% growth in San Diego over the same period.

Perris, CA

+-7.8%

$130,459 (2024) → $120,314 (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: Perris or San Diego?

San Diego has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $129,271/year, compared to Perris at $126,366/year — a difference of $2,905 (2.30%).

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

Perris magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $60.75/hr while San Diego hygienists earn $62.15/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Perris and San Diego. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Perris = $111,729, San Diego = $115,537), job availability (12 vs 320 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $93,625 in Perris and $78,247 in San Diego. The Perris 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