Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Chula Vista, CA: $129,421 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Chula Vista, CA earns a median $129,421/year (≈ $62.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Chula Vista's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,431 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chula Vista, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $129,421, reflecting a strong position in comparison to the national figure of $100,283, which highlights a 29.06% increase. The local salary range spans from $84,175 at the 10th percentile to $177,021 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential influenced by various factors such as expertise and subspecialty. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data with adjustments for local market conditions, position Chula Vista as a lucrative opportunity for those in the field, particularly for technologists specializing in cardiac or neuro MRI, as these areas are experiencing rapid growth.
About the Chula Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,175 | $40.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,565 | $53.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,421 | $62.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,543 | $69.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,021 | $85.11 |
Median Salary Position
29.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chula Vista
In Chula Vista, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,846 (2026 est.). At $129,421, the local median is 29.06% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chula Vista: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chula Vista Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Chula Vista median: $129,421/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chula Vista Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,292 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +29.06% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $129,421 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.06% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.10% above the California state average of $129,292.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chula Vista has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chula Vista, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,421 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,431 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,740
2025 BLS Actual
$123,223
2026 Current Est.
$129,421
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,392 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,838 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,361 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,072 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,621 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,421 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,931 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chula Vista metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $94,740 (2019) to $123,223 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,931 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,191 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chula Vista 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) | $84,175 – $110,565 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,565 – $129,421 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,421 – $145,543 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,543 – $177,021 |
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 Chula Vista
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chula Vista is robust, with 51 professionals currently employed in this capacity. The cost of living index sits at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, take-home pay may be impacted by local expenses. Employers such as specialized outpatient imaging centers, hospital departments, and orthopedic practices tend to offer higher wages, with factors like shift differentials for weekends, specialized subspecialty certifications, and positions requiring on-call availability driving the pay discrepancy. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications like MRSO and focusing on high-demand areas such as cardiac MRI or engaging in travel assignments could significantly enhance their compensation strategies within the local market.
More salary data for Chula Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Chula Vista, CA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Chula Vista?
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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 $123,223 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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