MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

San Francisco, CA
$153,617
$73.86/hr
Temecula, CA
$132,167
$63.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSan Francisco, CATemecula, CA
Median Salary$153,617$132,167
Hourly Rate$73.86$63.54
Entry Level (P10)$100,388$91,326
25th Percentile$106,500$113,441
75th Percentile$184,968$145,352
Top Earner (P90)$191,533$173,691
Total Employed42025
Side-by-side bar chart comparing San Francisco ($153,617) and Temecula ($132,167) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.San FranciscoTemeculaMedian Salary$153,617$132,167Entry Level (P10)$100,388$91,326Top Earner (P90)$191,533$173,691US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between San Francisco and Temecula is $21,450 (16.23%). 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 San Francisco spans $91,145,Temecula spans $82,365. San Francisco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

San Francisco
P10 (Entry)$100,388
P25$106,500
Median$153,617
P75$184,968
P90 (Top)$191,533
Temecula
P10 (Entry)$91,326
P25$113,441
Median$132,167
P75$145,352
P90 (Top)$173,691

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($132,872 effective) pays 13.70% more than Temecula ($116,859 effective).

San Francisco
Nominal: $153,617
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $132,872
Temecula
Nominal: $132,167
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $116,859

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Temecula 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 San Francisco grew 41.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.8% growth in Temecula over the same period.

San Francisco, CA

+41.6%

$103,310 (2019) → $146,260 (2025)

Temecula, CA

+-7.8%

$136,448 (2024) → $125,837 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

San Francisco has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $153,617/year, compared to Temecula at $132,167/year — a difference of $21,450 (16.23%).

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

San Francisco magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $73.86/hr while Temecula hygienists earn $63.54/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing San Francisco and Temecula. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: San Francisco = $132,872, Temecula = $116,859), job availability (420 vs 25 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $100,388 in San Francisco and $91,326 in Temecula. The San Francisco 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