Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Compton, CA: $128,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Compton, CA earns a median $128,035/year (≈ $61.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $113,205 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Compton, California, can expect a median annual salary of $128,035, a figure that significantly surpasses the national median of $100,283. The local salary range is quite broad, falling between $87,683 at the 10th percentile and $166,273 at the 90th percentile. This competitive pay reflects the demand for specialized skills, particularly in cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties, which command a premium in the local market. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, underscore the lucrative potential for professionals in this field, especially in a city known for its diverse healthcare needs and service demand.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,683 | $42.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,971 | $53.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,035 | $61.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,502 | $67.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,273 | $79.94 |
Median Salary Position
27.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,590 (2026 est.). At $128,035, the local median is 27.67% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Compton: You'd be above the median
How Compton Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Compton median: $128,035/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,328 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +27.67% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Compton, CA earn a median of $128,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.67% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.00% below the California state average of $129,328.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $128,035 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $113,205 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$93,725
2025 BLS Actual
$121,903
2026 Current Est.
$128,035
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,725 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,768 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,254 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,182 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,475 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $93,725 (2019) to $121,903 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,475 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,750 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $87,683 – $111,971 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,971 – $128,035 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,035 – $140,502 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,502 – $166,273 |
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 Compton
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Compton remains robust, with approximately 25 professionals employed in this specialized field. However, the cost of living is a consideration, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, indicating that everyday expenses are higher than the national average. Top-paying employers include hospital imaging departments and advanced outpatient MRI facilities, which often provide better compensation and benefits than smaller practices. Factors driving pay disparities include subspecialization, shift differentials, and the availability of call coverage, particularly in trauma settings. Seeking roles with midnight or weekend shifts often comes with a pay boost, while techs with MRSO certification may also see added financial incentives. To maximize income potential in Compton, professionals should strategically pursue advanced training in subspecialties like cardiac MRI or involvement with leading imaging practices.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Compton, CA in 2026?
Is Compton, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Compton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Compton?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Compton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $121,903 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Compton 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 Compton 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