Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Fullerton, CA: $132,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Fullerton, CA earns a median $132,794/year (≈ $63.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Fullerton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $117,413 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, California, the compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists reflects a robust healthcare market, with a 2026 median annual salary projected at $132,794. This figure significantly surpasses the national average and illustrates the demand for skilled professionals in this field, particularly as hospitals and outpatient chains seek qualified technologists. The salary range for technologists in the area extends from $92,226 at the lower end (P10) to $180,758 for the top earners (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the local dynamics where competitive salaries are essential for attracting talent in a growing specialty.
About the Fullerton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,226 | $44.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,726 | $52.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,794 | $63.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,750 | $72.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,758 | $86.90 |
Median Salary Position
32.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fullerton
In Fullerton, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,532 (2026 est.). At $132,794, the local median is 32.42% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fullerton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fullerton Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Fullerton median: $132,794/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fullerton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,302 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +32.42% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fullerton, CA earn a median of $132,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.42% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.70% above the California state average of $129,302.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fullerton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fullerton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,794 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,413 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,209
2025 BLS Actual
$126,434
2026 Current Est.
$132,794
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,209 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,904 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,055 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,888 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,095 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,434 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,473 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fullerton metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $97,209 (2019) to $126,434 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,473 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,264 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fullerton 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) | $92,226 – $109,726 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,726 – $132,794 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,794 – $149,750 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,750 – $180,758 |
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 Fullerton
Currently, Fullerton employs 25 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, which indicates a concentrated job market that may support competitive pay strategies. However, the cost of living in the area is slightly above the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which can affect take-home purchasing power. In terms of employer types, hospitals typically provide the highest salaries, followed by specialized outpatient MRI centers and mobile services. Factors such as subspecialization, including cardiac MRI or neuro applications, as well as shift differentials and certifications like MRSO can influence the disparity in earnings. To maximize potential salary in Fullerton, technologists should consider additional certifications and pursue opportunities that offer flexible schedules with weekend and night shifts, which often command higher pay.
More salary data for Fullerton, 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 $126,434 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Fullerton 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 Fullerton 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