Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $127,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Hawthorne, CA earns a median $127,727/year (≈ $61.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Hawthorne's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $112,933 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hawthorne, California, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $127,727, significantly higher than the national median of $100,283. This compelling figure is accompanied by a salary range from $87,113 at the lower end (P10) to $165,587 at the upper end (P90), reflecting the diverse employment opportunities within the region. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the competitive nature of the market. In Hawthorne, technologists have the potential to work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and even travel assignments, influencing overall compensation depending on the work structure chosen.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,113 | $41.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,335 | $53.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,727 | $61.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,698 | $67.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $165,587 | $79.61 |
Median Salary Position
27.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,474 (2026 est.). At $127,727, the local median is 27.37% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hawthorne: You'd be above the median
How Hawthorne Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Hawthorne median: $127,727/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hawthorne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,278 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +27.37% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $127,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.37% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.20% below the California state average of $129,278.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hawthorne has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hawthorne, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,727 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,933 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,500
2025 BLS Actual
$121,610
2026 Current Est.
$127,727
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,657 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,864 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,152 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawthorne metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $93,500 (2019) to $121,610 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,152 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,652 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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) | $87,113 – $111,335 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,335 – $127,727 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,727 – $139,698 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,698 – $165,587 |
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 Hawthorne
With 13 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Hawthorne, the job market suggests stability and a steady demand for skilled professionals in the imaging field. However, the cost of living in the area, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 113.1, may influence how much take-home pay can stretch. Among local employers, those in hospital imaging departments generally offer higher compensation compared to outpatient centers. Factors affecting this pay differential include subspecializations such as cardiac MRI or neuro imaging, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and additional stipends for MRSO certification. MRI technologists looking to maximize their earnings should consider seeking employment in trauma centers, where call coverage may yield extra pay, or exploring mobile MRI opportunities which often come with a travel premium.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Hawthorne, CA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Hawthorne?
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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 $121,610 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne 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