Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Fairfield, CA: $133,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Fairfield, CA earns a median $133,284/year (≈ $64.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $117,846 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Fairfield, California, is projected to reach a median of $133,284. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $100,283, reflecting a robust local job market. The salary range varies significantly, stretching from $93,754 at the lower tenth percentile to as high as $177,139 for those in the upper ninetieth percentile. Such competitive salaries in Fairfield are supported by various factors, including shift differentials for evenings and weekends, as well as call coverage in trauma settings, which can significantly enhance total earnings. Given these dynamics, MRI technologists in the area can expect lucrative opportunities that stand out among the surrounding regions.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,754 | $45.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,726 | $53.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,284 | $64.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,067 | $71.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,139 | $85.16 |
Median Salary Position
32.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,385 (2026 est.). At $133,284, the local median is 32.91% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfield Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $133,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,277 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +32.91% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fairfield, CA earn a median of $133,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.91% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 3.10% above the California state average of $129,277.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $133,284 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,846 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,568
2025 BLS Actual
$126,901
2026 Current Est.
$133,284
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,568 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,269 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,818 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,446 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,901 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,988 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $97,568 (2019) to $126,901 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,988 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,420 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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) | $93,754 – $110,726 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,726 – $133,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,284 – $148,067 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,067 – $177,139 |
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 Fairfield
In Fairfield, the job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists holds steady, with a total of 25 professionals currently employed. However, the cost of living is a crucial consideration, sitting at a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which indicates higher living expenses compared to national averages. This reality can influence take-home pay, making it essential for technologists to seek employment with the highest payers. Within the region, hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers often provide the most competitive compensation. Factors contributing to the pay gap include subspecialty certifications such as cardiac MRI, shift differentials, and the pursuit of additional roles like applications specialists. To maximize earnings, MRI technologists in Fairfield should consider pursuing advanced certifications, including MRSO, and aim for positions that offer premium rates associated with specialized imaging practices.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Fairfield, CA in 2026?
Is Fairfield, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Fairfield?
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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 $126,901 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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