Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Alhambra, CA: $127,379 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Alhambra, CA earns a median $127,379/year (≈ $61.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Alhambra's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $112,625 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alhambra, California, the role of a magnetic resonance imaging technologist commands a competitive median annual salary of $127,379, significantly higher than the national median of $100,283. The local salary range varies considerably, from $96,512 at the lower end to as much as $172,535 at the top tier. This disparity reflects a job market influenced by factors such as shift differentials, call coverage, and the demand for specialized skills in advanced imaging. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living, highlight the robust earning potential for MRI technologists in the region. Job opportunities in Alhambra remain promising, particularly for those with expertise in subspecialties like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,512 | $46.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,615 | $53.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,379 | $61.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $138,902 | $66.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,535 | $82.95 |
Median Salary Position
27.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alhambra
In Alhambra, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,023 (2026 est.). At $127,379, the local median is 27.02% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Alhambra: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alhambra Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Alhambra median: $127,379/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alhambra Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,319 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +27.02% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Alhambra, CA earn a median of $127,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.02% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.50% below the California state average of $129,319.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alhambra has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alhambra, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,379 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,625 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,246
2025 BLS Actual
$121,279
2026 Current Est.
$127,379
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,246 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,871 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,263 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,731 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,367 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,505 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,279 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,379 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,787 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alhambra metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $93,246 (2019) to $121,279 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,787 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,541 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alhambra 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) | $96,512 – $110,615 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,615 – $127,379 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,379 – $138,902 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $138,902 – $172,535 |
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 Alhambra
While the 2026 projected median salary seems appealing, it's crucial to consider the cost of living index in Alhambra, which stands at 113.1, indicating that housing and necessities may carry a premium relative to the national average. Out of the 13 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Alhambra, those in hospital imaging departments typically receive the highest pay, followed by outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed. Factors such as subspecialty expertise and shift work, especially during nights and weekends, can cause significant pay variations. To maximize earning potential in this market, technologists should pursue certifications like MRSO and remain adaptable to emerging subspecialties. Consider also seeking positions that offer call coverage or travel opportunities, as these often come with additional compensation, enhancing overall pay.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Alhambra, CA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Alhambra?
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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 $121,279 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Alhambra 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 Alhambra 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