Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Fresno, CA: $112,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Fresno, CA earns a median $112,078/year (≈ $53.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Fresno's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 102.2), that paycheck buys what $109,710 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.3% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, Fresno's magnetic resonance imaging technologists can anticipate a median annual salary of $112,078, which represents an 11.76% increase over the national median of $100,283. The salary range for this role in the city spans from $81,577 at the 10th percentile to $170,516 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reflect the high demand for specialized skills, particularly in cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. Given the growing importance of advanced imaging techniques in medical diagnostics, the salaries here position Fresno as a competitive market within California's larger healthcare landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,577 | $39.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,698 | $42.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,078 | $53.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,723 | $69.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,516 | $81.98 |
Median Salary Position
11.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fresno
In Fresno, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,939 (2026 est.). At $112,078, the local median is 11.76% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fresno: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fresno Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Fresno median: $112,078/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fresno Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,270 | -13.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +11.76% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fresno, CA earn a median of $112,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.76% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 13.30% below the California state average of $129,270.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fresno has a cost of living 2.16% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fresno, CA has a cost-of-living index of 102.158 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $112,078 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $109,710 — a 2.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,140
2025 BLS Actual
$106,710
2026 Current Est.
$112,078
2019–2027 Growth
+18.7%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,715 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fresno metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 7.6% from $99,140 (2019) to $106,710 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,715 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,575 (18.74%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fresno 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) | $81,577 – $88,698 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,698 – $112,078 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,078 – $143,723 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,723 – $170,516 |
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 Fresno
Fresno employs approximately 130 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, indicating a solid local job market in this field. The cost of living index in the area stands at 102.158, slightly above the national average, affecting the overall purchasing power of salaries received. Employers that tend to offer the highest compensation include hospital imaging departments, renowned outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, as well as mobile MRI companies and orthopedic practices with in-house MRI capabilities. The variation in pay often arises from subspecialty expertise, with cardiac MRI typically commanding higher wages compared to neuro and musculoskeletal imaging. Additionally, factors like shift differentials, call coverage at trauma centers, and involvement with travel MRI assignments can further enhance earnings potential. For those seeking to optimize their income in Fresno, pursuing MRSO certifications or specializing in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI could be strategic moves as the market continues to evolve.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $106,710 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Fresno 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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