Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Bakersfield, CA: $103,507 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Bakersfield, CA earns a median $103,507/year (≈ $49.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Bakersfield's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.9), that paycheck buys what $102,598 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 19.9% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a median annual salary of $103,507 projected for 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bakersfield, California, are enjoying a favorable compensation landscape, particularly due to the demand for cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties. Beyond the median figure, the salary range reflects a diversity in pay, with entry-level positions starting at $72,345 and experienced technicians earning up to $139,091. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating a robust market environment bolstered by the growing need for imaging professionals. As the healthcare sector in Bakersfield continues to expand, positions with specialized skills in high-demand areas are likely to provide more lucrative opportunities.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,345 | $34.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,975 | $41.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,507 | $49.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,163 | $64.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139,091 | $66.87 |
Median Salary Position
3.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bakersfield
In Bakersfield, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,746 (2026 est.). At $103,507, the local median is 3.21% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bakersfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bakersfield Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Bakersfield median: $103,507/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bakersfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,222 | -19.90% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +3.21% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $103,507 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 19.90% below the California state average of $129,222.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bakersfield has a cost of living 0.89% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bakersfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 100.886 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,507 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,598 — a 0.88% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$73,550
2025 BLS Actual
$98,550
2026 Current Est.
$103,507
2019–2027 Growth
+47.8%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,550 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,550 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,507 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,713 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bakersfield metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 34.0% from $73,550 (2019) to $98,550 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,713 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,163 (47.81%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bakersfield 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) | $72,345 – $86,975 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,975 – $103,507 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,507 – $135,163 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,163 – $139,091 |
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 Bakersfield
In Bakersfield, there are currently around 60 professionals employed as magnetic resonance imaging technologists, which signals a dedicated workforce in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 100.886, salaries are positioned slightly above the national average, impacting take-home purchasing power favorably, especially for those specializing in high-demand subspecialties such as cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI. Employment opportunities with hospitals, outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, or even travel MRI agencies typically offer higher salaries. Factors influencing the salary range include subspecialization, differential pay for shifts during nights or weekends, and additional compensation for on-call coverage at trauma centers. Aspiring MRI technologists in Bakersfield should consider pursuing MRSO certification or additional qualifications to enhance their marketability, thereby maximizing their earning potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Bakersfield, CA in 2026?
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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 $98,550 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Bakersfield 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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