Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Long Beach, CA: $76,088 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Long Beach, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,088 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Long Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,275 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,706) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of magnetic resonance imaging in Long Beach, California, can anticipate a starting salary around $76,088. This figure is notably lower than the median annual salary of $115,706 for all MRI technologists in the area, creating a gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate. However, there's a clear pathway for salary growth for those in their first 3-5 years. As technologists gain experience, the potential earnings can rise significantly, with entry-level professionals reaching toward the 25th percentile salary of $99,141. Given current trends and an expected growth rate of 5.03%, Long Beach presents a promising market for new graduates, particularly with its demand for specialized MRI skills.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Long Beach
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 Long Beach
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Long Beach, CA typically start between $76,088 and $99,141 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,105 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,706 — 15.38% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in California of $8,000 represents just 10.51% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($76,088/year) in Long Beach. 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 Long Beach
- 1Research the Long Beach market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $76,088 to $99,141, 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Long Beach'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 Long Beach is $90,105 ( 118.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,088, experienced hygienists can earn up to $166,193.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,789
2025 BLS Actual
$72,444
2026 Current Est.
$76,088
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,608 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,159 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,653 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,409 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,444 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,088 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,915 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Long Beach, CA grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,789 in 2019 to $72,444 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,915. New graduates entering the Long Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
New graduates will find several employer avenues in Long Beach, with notable growth potential in roles offering specialized training. While larger hospital systems often seek experienced technologists, many outpatient MRI facilities actively recruit pre-credentialed candidates, offering enticing sign-on bonuses to attract talent. To enhance starting pay, obtaining additional credentials is crucial; achieving ARRT registration in radiography, alongside ARRT(MR) certification or pursuing direct entry through ARMRIT, can significantly elevate earning potential. Within the first 1-3 years, salary growth opportunities abound in a market where MRI techs earn among the highest in radiologic fields, particularly in emerging specialties like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI. Continuous education, possibly including MRSO certification, can further open doors to these lucrative roles, reflecting the substantial demand in advanced imaging technologies in Long Beach, CA.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Long Beach in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Long Beach?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Long Beach?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Long Beach?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in California?
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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 Long Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Long Beach 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