Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in El Monte, CA: $132,637 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in El Monte, CA earns a median $132,637/year (≈ $63.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in El Monte's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $117,274 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Monte, the median annual compensation for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected at $132,637 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $100,283. The salary range for this occupation varies from $92,400 at the 10th percentile to $180,220 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the premium connected to advanced subspecialties like cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for the local cost of living. With a growing demand for specialized imaging services that utilize 3T and 7T scanners, El Monte's job market remains vibrant, attracting professionals seeking lucrative positions in an industry known for its high earning potential.
About the El Monte Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,400 | $44.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,407 | $52.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,637 | $63.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,380 | $71.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,220 | $86.64 |
Median Salary Position
32.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in El Monte
In El Monte, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,820 (2026 est.). At $132,637, the local median is 32.26% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in El Monte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How El Monte Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
El Monte median: $132,637/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | El Monte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,276 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +32.26% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in El Monte, CA earn a median of $132,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.26% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.60% above the California state average of $129,276.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
El Monte has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
El Monte, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,637 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,274 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,094
2025 BLS Actual
$126,285
2026 Current Est.
$132,637
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,094 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,787 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,319 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,757 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,933 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,285 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,637 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,309 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the El Monte metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $97,094 (2019) to $126,285 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,309 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,215 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the El Monte 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) | $92,400 – $109,407 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,407 – $132,637 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,637 – $149,380 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,380 – $180,220 |
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 El Monte
The local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists includes 20 professionals currently employed, indicating robust opportunities for entry and growth in El Monte, CA. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, which slightly affects take-home purchasing power despite the higher salaries. Employers that typically offer higher wages include hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and specialized practices in orthopedic surgery and neuroscience. Salary disparities often originate from subspecialties, with those focused on cardiac MRI generally earning more, alongside the impact of shift differentials and call coverage at trauma centers. To maximize earning potential in this market, technologists should consider cross-training in in-demand specialties, pursuing MRSO certification, and exploring mobile MRI options, which can offer additional income streams.
More salary data for El Monte, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in El Monte?
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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 $126,285 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the El Monte 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 El Monte 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