Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lake Elsinore, CA: $128,874 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lake Elsinore, CA earns a median $128,874/year (≈ $61.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lake Elsinore's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $113,947 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Lake Elsinore is projected at a median of $128,874, significantly surpassing the national median of $100,283 by approximately 28.51%. The full salary range for this role varies from $89,743 at the 10th percentile to $177,240 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the local demand and opportunities within this medical specialty. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for California's regional cost of living, which is slightly above the national average. As the demand for specialized imaging services, particularly in cardiac MRI and neuro imaging, continues to grow, so too does the potential for higher earnings in Lake Elsinore's evolving job market.
About the Lake Elsinore Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,743 | $43.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,988 | $50.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,874 | $61.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,715 | $67.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,240 | $85.21 |
Median Salary Position
28.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Elsinore
In Lake Elsinore, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,497 (2026 est.). At $128,874, the local median is 28.51% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Elsinore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Elsinore Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lake Elsinore median: $128,874/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Elsinore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,262 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +28.51% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $128,874 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.51% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% below the California state average of $129,262.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Elsinore has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Elsinore, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $128,874 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $113,947 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,340
2025 BLS Actual
$122,702
2026 Current Est.
$128,874
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lake Elsinore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,985 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,416 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,924 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,615 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,048 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,702 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,874 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,356 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Elsinore metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $94,340 (2019) to $122,702 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,356 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,016 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Elsinore 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) | $89,743 – $105,988 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,988 – $128,874 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,874 – $139,715 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,715 – $177,240 |
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 Lake Elsinore
With 18 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Lake Elsinore, the local job market demonstrates a solid demand for skilled professionals. The cost-of-living index at 113.1 indicates that while higher salaries do exist, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished compared to national counterparts. Hospitals and advanced imaging centers that offer a premium for subspecialties, especially those focusing on cardiac MRI, often compensate more generously than outpatient facilities or mobile imaging companies. The variance in pay can also be influenced by factors such as shift differentials, on-call duties at trauma centers, and stipends for advanced certifications like MRSO. To maximize one's earning potential in Lake Elsinore, pursuing subspecialty training, seeking night or weekend shifts, and maintaining versatility across modalities can be beneficial strategies in this competitive field.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lake Elsinore, CA in 2026?
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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 $122,702 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore 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