Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Daly City, CA: $91,963 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Daly City, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $91,963 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Daly City's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,311 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($132,679) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The prospects for newcomers in the field of magnetic resonance imaging technology in Daly City, CA, present a competitive starting point in 2026. Entry-level roles can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $91,963, which is somewhat below the median annual salary of $132,679 for all MRI technologists in the area. This creates a noticeable gap that new graduates should prepare to navigate as they transition into the workforce. With experience, those in entry-level positions can expect to see their earnings grow significantly, as salaries can reach $109,493 at the 25th percentile and advance toward the median within the first three to five years. Given the local demand for MRI services and the expected annual growth rate of 5.03%, this region appears to be a favorable job market for recent graduates entering the profession.
About the Daly City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Daly City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daly City
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Daly City, CA typically start between $91,963 and $109,493 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $83,463 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $132,679 — 32.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $8,000 represents just 8.70% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($91,963/year) in Daly City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates for JRCERT-accredited post-primary MRI certificate programs. Most MRI technologists first complete a radiography program, then add an MRI certificate. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution.
MRI Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Daly City
- 1Research the Daly City market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $91,963 to $109,493, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Daly City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Daly City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Daly City's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Compensation Range
The magnetic resonance imaging technologist wage spread in Daly City is $83,463 ( 90.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $91,963, experienced hygienists can earn up to $175,426.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,012
2025 BLS Actual
$87,559
2026 Current Est.
$91,963
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Daly City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,012 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,129 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,933 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,901 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,559 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,963 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,589 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Daly City, CA grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,012 in 2019 to $87,559 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $96,589. New graduates entering the Daly City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daly City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Daly City
In Daly City, several healthcare providers offer opportunities for new magnetic resonance imaging technologists, although the competition can be challenging for recent graduates. Major hospital systems often prefer hiring experienced radiologic technologists who can be cross-trained into MRI roles. Conversely, outpatient MRI centers are known to actively recruit newly graduated technologists, sometimes offering sign-on bonuses to entice them. To enhance initial earning potential, candidates can pursue additional credentials, such as obtaining ARRT registration in radiography, followed by ARRT(MR) certification. The field emphasizes continuing education, with a focus on advanced technologies like 3T and 7T scanners becoming standard in academic medical environments. With specialized roles in cardiac MRI and mpMRI experiencing rapid growth, earning potential can rise significantly in the first few years of practice, making strategic career planning and skill development paramount for new grads in this thriving market.
More salary data for Daly City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Daly City in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Daly City?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Daly City?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Daly City?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Daly City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daly City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
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