Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Laguna Niguel, CA: $125,516 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Laguna Niguel, CA earns a median $125,516/year (≈ $60.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Laguna Niguel's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $110,978 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals specializing in magnetic resonance imaging technologist roles in Laguna Niguel, CA, can expect an annual median salary of $125,516. This figure places local salaries significantly above the national median of $100,283, reflecting a 25.16% premium for the area. With a projected salary range extending from $91,662 at the 10th percentile to $170,935 at the 90th percentile, there is substantial room for financial growth based on experience and expertise. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, making Laguna Niguel a competitive market for MRI technologists. Opportunities in this city showcase a mix of employment options, from traditional hospital settings to outpatient imaging centers, affecting potential earning power depending on the employer's structure.
About the Laguna Niguel Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,662 | $44.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,805 | $51.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,516 | $60.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,209 | $68.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,935 | $82.18 |
Median Salary Position
25.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laguna Niguel
In Laguna Niguel, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,273 (2026 est.). At $125,516, the local median is 25.16% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laguna Niguel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laguna Niguel Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Laguna Niguel median: $125,516/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laguna Niguel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,265 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +25.16% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $125,516 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.16% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.90% below the California state average of $129,265.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laguna Niguel has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laguna Niguel, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,516 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,978 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$91,882
2025 BLS Actual
$119,505
2026 Current Est.
$125,516
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,882 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,484 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,826 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,243 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,811 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,581 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,505 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,516 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,830 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laguna Niguel metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $91,882 (2019) to $119,505 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,830 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,948 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laguna Niguel 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) | $91,662 – $106,805 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,805 – $125,516 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,516 – $142,209 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,209 – $170,935 |
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 Laguna Niguel
On the job front, there are currently 16 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Laguna Niguel. The local cost-of-living index of 113.1 suggests that, while salaries tend to be higher, so are everyday expenses, impacting overall financial well-being. Among the various employers, those in hospital imaging departments typically provide the highest salaries, often accompanied by benefits like shift differentials for nights and weekends. The substantial wage spread can be attributed to factors such as subspecialty focus, such as cardiac MRI or neuroimaging, and certification incentives, like MRSO stipends. Those interested in maximizing their earning potential may consider diversifying their skill set to include specialized areas or seeking roles in mobile MRI services, where premiums can further enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Laguna Niguel, CA in 2026?
Is Laguna Niguel, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Laguna Niguel?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Laguna Niguel?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Laguna Niguel?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $119,505 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel 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