Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Costa Mesa, CA: $129,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Costa Mesa, CA earns a median $129,890/year (≈ $62.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Costa Mesa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,845 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The landscape for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Costa Mesa, CA, is particularly promising, especially for those specializing in subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. In 2026, the projected median annual salary is $129,890, significantly higher than the national median of $100,283, reflecting a robust demand for skilled professionals. Salaries range from $92,670 at the 10th percentile to $179,327 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for growth based on experience, specialization, and shifts. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations, indicating a competitive market for MRI technologists in this coastal city.
About the Costa Mesa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,670 | $44.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,795 | $52.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,890 | $62.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,973 | $71.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,327 | $86.22 |
Median Salary Position
29.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Costa Mesa
In Costa Mesa, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,657 (2026 est.). At $129,890, the local median is 29.52% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Costa Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Costa Mesa Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Costa Mesa median: $129,890/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Costa Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,243 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +29.52% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $129,890 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.52% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.50% above the California state average of $129,243.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Costa Mesa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Costa Mesa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,890 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,845 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,083
2025 BLS Actual
$123,669
2026 Current Est.
$129,890
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,083 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,741 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,735 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,463 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,097 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,669 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,423 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Costa Mesa metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $95,083 (2019) to $123,669 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,423 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,340 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Costa Mesa 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) | $92,670 – $108,795 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,795 – $129,890 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,890 – $147,973 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,973 – $179,327 |
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 Costa Mesa
Employment opportunities for magnetic resonance imaging technologists are promising in Costa Mesa, with around 23 professionals currently working in the field. Despite the area's cost-of-living index of 113.1, which suggests that living expenses are slightly above the national average, salaries are structured to support comfortable living standards. Renowned employers such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and mobile MRI companies offer varying compensation packages, generally rewarding subspecialty expertise. The pay disparity can be attributed to factors including subspecialty demand, shift differentials, and stipends for certifications such as MRSO. For those looking to maximize their magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Costa Mesa, pursuing advanced certifications, such as ARRT(MR), and seeking opportunities in high-demand subspecialties can be effective strategies in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Costa Mesa, CA in 2026?
Is Costa Mesa, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Costa Mesa?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Costa Mesa?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Costa Mesa?
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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 $123,669 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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