Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Alameda, CA: $125,547 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Alameda, CA earns a median $125,547/year (≈ $60.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Alameda's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $111,005 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Alameda is projected to reach $125,547, significantly above the national average of $100,283. Salaries in the area will show a range from $92,247 at the 10th percentile to $170,716 at the 90th percentile, underscoring the strong market for skilled professionals. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost factors, reveal how opportunities in Alameda allow for competitive compensation. Factors like shift differentials and call coverage, especially for those working in trauma centers, significantly contribute to the higher end of the earnings spectrum, emphasizing the demand for MRI technologists in this vibrant California market.
About the Alameda Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,247 | $44.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,867 | $51.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,547 | $60.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,472 | $68.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,716 | $82.07 |
Median Salary Position
25.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alameda
In Alameda, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,469 (2026 est.). At $125,547, the local median is 25.19% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alameda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alameda Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Alameda median: $125,547/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alameda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,296 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +25.19% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Alameda, CA earn a median of $125,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.19% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.90% below the California state average of $129,296.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alameda has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alameda, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,547 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,005 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,904
2025 BLS Actual
$119,534
2026 Current Est.
$125,547
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Alameda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,904 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,506 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,849 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,267 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,836 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,613 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,534 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,547 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,862 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alameda metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $91,904 (2019) to $119,534 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,862 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,958 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alameda 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $92,247 – $106,867 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,867 – $125,547 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,547 – $142,472 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,472 – $170,716 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Alameda
As of 2026, the local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Alameda features a relatively small pool, with only 12 professionals currently employed. The high cost of living, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 113.1, can impact take-home purchasing power, making it vital for technologists to maximize their earnings. Hospitals tend to offer competitive pay, particularly those with specialized departments, including orthopedic and neurological institutions, while outpatient imaging centers like RadNet also provide solid opportunities. The variance in pay largely stems from subspecialties, with cardiac MRI generally commanding higher salaries than general imaging, along with the benefits of working night shifts and weekends. Technologists interested in boosting their earnings should consider pursuing MRSO certification and positioning themselves in facilities that offer attractive call coverage rates or traveling positions, which often include premium pay packages.
More salary data for Alameda, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Alameda, CA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Alameda?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $119,534 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Alameda metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alameda 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