Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Carson, CA: $126,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Carson, CA earns a median $126,693/year (≈ $60.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Carson's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $112,019 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carson, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median annual salary of $126,693 in 2026, which exceeds the national median of $100,283 by a significant margin. The salary range for MRI technologists in the area falls between $94,905 at the lower end and $174,870 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, along with regional cost adjustments that reflect local economic conditions. As the demand for skilled MRI technologists continues to grow, driven by advancements in imaging technology and the increasing prevalence of subspecialties such as cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, Carson offers a competitive job market that supports robust compensation for its healthcare professionals.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,905 | $45.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,205 | $52.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,693 | $60.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $137,339 | $66.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,870 | $84.08 |
Median Salary Position
26.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson
In Carson, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,965 (2026 est.). At $126,693, the local median is 26.34% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carson Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Carson median: $126,693/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,279 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +26.34% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carson, CA earn a median of $126,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.34% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.00% below the California state average of $129,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carson has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carson, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $126,693 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,019 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,744
2025 BLS Actual
$120,626
2026 Current Est.
$126,693
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,744 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,361 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,734 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,183 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,797 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,626 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,066 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carson metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $92,744 (2019) to $120,626 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,066 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,322 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson 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) | $94,905 – $109,205 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,205 – $126,693 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,693 – $137,339 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $137,339 – $174,870 |
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 Carson
Presently, there are 21 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Carson, highlighting a specialized labor market that can command competitive salaries. The cost-of-living index in the area is 113.1, indicating that while income is substantial, living expenses are also higher than the national average. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed typically offer the highest pay. Factors such as subspecialty expertise, particularly in cardiac and neurological imaging, as well as shift differentials and call coverage, significantly impact salary variation. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications like MRSO and rotating shifts to include weekends or holidays can enhance pay potential. With the continuing evolution in medical imaging methodologies, Carson remains an enticing locale for skilled MRI technologists.
More salary data for Carson, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $120,626 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Carson 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 Carson 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