Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lakewood, CA: $125,987 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lakewood, CA earns a median $125,987/year (≈ $60.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $111,394 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median annual salary of $125,987 in 2026, reflecting a significant premium attributed to the increasing demand for specialized MRI skills, particularly in cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties. Salaries for MRI technologists in this region range from $93,263 at the lower end (P10) to $167,907 at the high end (P90), emphasizing the variety of compensation opportunities available based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from state-level BLS estimates, taking into account the regional cost of living, which undoubtedly affects potential earnings. With the local market evolving, technologists in Lakewood could see a surge in job openings, particularly those skilled in advanced modalities, enhancing the overall salary outlook in this growing field.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,263 | $44.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,004 | $50.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,987 | $60.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,541 | $67.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,907 | $80.73 |
Median Salary Position
25.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,644 (2026 est.). At $125,987, the local median is 25.63% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $125,987/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,217 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +25.63% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lakewood, CA earn a median of $125,987 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.63% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.50% below the California state average of $129,217.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,987 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,394 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,226
2025 BLS Actual
$119,953
2026 Current Est.
$125,987
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,226 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,834 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,189 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,204 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,068 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,953 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,987 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,324 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $92,226 (2019) to $119,953 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,324 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,098 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $93,263 – $105,004 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,004 – $125,987 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,987 – $140,541 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,541 – $167,907 |
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 Lakewood
The MRI job market in Lakewood is notable, with 19 professionals currently employed in this specialty, demonstrating a stable demand for technologists. However, the cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that expenses are higher than the national average, which impacts take-home purchasing power despite attractive salaries. In this context, employers that tend to offer the most competitive pay include hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, who often require advanced skill sets in cardiac or neuro imaging. Salary disparities within the local market can largely be attributed to factors such as specialization, shift differentials, and additional certifications like MRSO. For those seeking to maximize their magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Lakewood, pursuing subspecialty certifications, volunteering for weekend shifts, and considering contracts with travel MRI companies could provide substantial financial advantages.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $119,953 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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