Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Burbank, CA: $127,676 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Burbank, CA earns a median $127,676/year (≈ $61.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Burbank's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $112,888 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Burbank, California, the compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is substantially competitive, with a median annual salary projected at $127,676 for 2026. This figure reflects a robust local market, especially when compared to the national median of $100,283, showcasing a 27.32% premium in salary. The salary range is varied, ranging from $87,181 at the lower end (P10) up to $171,852 (P90) at the higher end, indicating differentiation likely tied to levels of experience, specialty training, and employer type. Given that Burbank enjoys its unique positioning within the healthcare landscape, both hospitals and outpatient facilities can be competitive, suggesting a dynamic job market for MRI technologists in the area.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,181 | $41.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,368 | $50.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,676 | $61.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,826 | $68.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,852 | $82.62 |
Median Salary Position
27.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
In Burbank, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,671 (2026 est.). At $127,676, the local median is 27.32% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burbank: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burbank Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Burbank median: $127,676/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burbank Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,226 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +27.32% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Burbank, CA earn a median of $127,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.32% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.20% below the California state average of $129,226.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burbank has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burbank, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,676 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,888 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,462
2025 BLS Actual
$121,561
2026 Current Est.
$127,676
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,462 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,092 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,491 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,967 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,811 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,676 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,098 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burbank metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $93,462 (2019) to $121,561 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,098 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,636 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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) | $87,181 – $104,368 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,368 – $127,676 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,676 – $142,826 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,826 – $171,852 |
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 Burbank
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Burbank consists of around 22 professionals, indicating a relatively small yet focused segment. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, professionals need to remain aware of their purchasing power when evaluating offered salaries. Employers such as major hospitals, outpatient MRI imaging centers, and orthopedic practices can offer varying compensation levels based on workloads and specializations. Furthermore, the disparity in pay can stem from the nature of subspecialties and additional roles—technologists specializing in cardiac MRI, for instance, often command a higher salary due to their niche skills. Additional incentives such as shift differentials, call coverage, and MRSO certification stipends can also enhance overall earnings. For those looking to maximize their income, pursuing subspecialty training and considering roles that offer diverse responsibilities are advisable strategies in Burbank's competitive market.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Burbank, CA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Burbank?
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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 $121,561 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Burbank 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 Burbank 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