Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lancaster, CA: $131,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lancaster, CA earns a median $131,906/year (≈ $63.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lancaster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $116,628 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lancaster, CA can expect a median annual salary of $131,906, significantly higher than the national median of $100,283. This robust compensation reflects not only the specialized skills of MRI technologists but also contributes to a competitive salary range from $90,732 at the lower end (P10) to $186,265 at the upper tier (P90). These salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic factors, illustrate the premium placed on experienced technologists. Numerous opportunities for shift differentials, particularly for those covering nights and weekends, enable professionals to increase earnings at the higher end of the scale, highlighting an attractive job market for MRI specialists in Lancaster.
About the Lancaster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,732 | $43.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,927 | $51.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,906 | $63.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,745 | $69.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,265 | $89.55 |
Median Salary Position
31.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lancaster
In Lancaster, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,533 (2026 est.). At $131,906, the local median is 31.53% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lancaster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lancaster Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lancaster median: $131,906/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lancaster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,320 | +2.00% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +31.53% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lancaster, CA earn a median of $131,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.53% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.00% above the California state average of $129,320.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lancaster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lancaster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $131,906 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $116,628 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,559
2025 BLS Actual
$125,589
2026 Current Est.
$131,906
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,559 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,243 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,755 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,346 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,147 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,178 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,589 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,541 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lancaster metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $96,559 (2019) to $125,589 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,541 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,982 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lancaster 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) | $90,732 – $107,927 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,927 – $131,906 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,906 – $144,745 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,745 – $186,265 |
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 Lancaster
The local job market in Lancaster hosts around 40 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, creating a supportive environment for professionals in the field. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, expenses are also above the national average, impacting overall purchasing power. Among employers, hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed tend to offer the most competitive wages. Variations in pay are common, influenced by factors such as subspecialty expertise—with cardiac MRI roles often commanding higher salaries—shift differentials, and call coverage options, particularly in trauma settings. For technologists looking to maximize their income, pursuing MRSO certification and exploring travel MRI positions can significantly enhance earning potential in Lancaster's favorable landscape for MRI technologists.
More salary data for Lancaster, 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 $125,589 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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