Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Brea, CA: $122,649 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Brea, CA earns a median $122,649/year (≈ $58.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Brea's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $108,443 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those navigating the field of magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Brea, CA, the 2026 projected median annual compensation stands at $122,649, significantly above the national average of $100,283. The local salary range stretches from $92,192 at the 10th percentile to as high as $161,087 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying demand and expertise within the profession. Local estimates from the BLS state-level data suggest that robust employment opportunities, combined with shift differentials and call coverage, can drive up compensation levels, especially for those working in high-pressure environments like trauma centers or busy hospital imaging departments.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,192 | $44.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,572 | $50.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,649 | $58.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $136,569 | $65.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,087 | $77.45 |
Median Salary Position
22.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
In Brea, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,895 (2026 est.). At $122,649, the local median is 22.3% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brea Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Brea median: $122,649/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,240 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +22.30% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Brea, CA earn a median of $122,649 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.30% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 5.10% below the California state average of $129,240.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brea has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brea, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,649 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,443 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,783
2025 BLS Actual
$116,775
2026 Current Est.
$122,649
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,783 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,348 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,614 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,953 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,775 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,649 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,818 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brea metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $89,783 (2019) to $116,775 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,818 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,035 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea 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) | $92,192 – $105,572 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,572 – $122,649 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,649 – $136,569 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $136,569 – $161,087 |
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 Brea
In Brea, approximately 10 magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed, a number that underscores a competitive job market. The cost of living index in the area reflects a higher-than-average standard at 113.1, influencing the take-home earnings of these professionals. Major employers include outpatient MRI imaging centers and hospital imaging departments, with those offering specialized services in areas like cardiac or neuro MRI often paying more. Factors leading to salary variability include subspecialties, such as cardiac MRI, along with night and weekend shift differentials and call coverage stipends. To maximize pay, technologists in Brea can focus on obtaining additional certifications, like MRSO, and consider opportunities in mobile MRI services or travel assignments, which generally command higher rates.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Brea, CA in 2026?
Is Brea, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Brea?
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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 $116,775 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Brea 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 Brea 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