Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Long Beach, CA: $115,706 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Long Beach, CA earns a median $115,706/year (≈ $55.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Long Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $102,304 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $115,706 projected for 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Long Beach, California, enjoy competitive compensation compared to their national counterparts. The local salary range stretches from $76,088 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $166,193 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse market within the city. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local price parities, highlight how shift differentials and call coverage significantly contribute to the top-end earnings of MRI technologists. As the demand for MRI services continues to grow, particularly in specialized areas such as cardiac and neuro imaging, professionals have opportunities to enhance their compensation and career prospects in Long Beach.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,088 | $36.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,141 | $47.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,706 | $55.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,128 | $64.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,193 | $79.90 |
Median Salary Position
15.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
In Long Beach, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,105 (2026 est.). At $115,706, the local median is 15.38% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Long Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Beach Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Long Beach median: $115,706/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,281 | -10.50% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +15.38% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Long Beach, CA earn a median of $115,706 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.38% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 10.50% below the California state average of $129,281.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,706 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,304 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,701
2025 BLS Actual
$110,165
2026 Current Est.
$115,706
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,701 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,177 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,258 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,408 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,619 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,596 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,706 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,526 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Beach metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $84,701 (2019) to $110,165 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,526 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,825 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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) | $76,088 – $99,141 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,141 – $115,706 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,706 – $135,128 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,128 – $166,193 |
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 Long Beach
Regarding the local job market, there are currently 89 magnetic resonance imaging technologists employed in Long Beach, underscoring a viable workforce within this specialized field. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, indicating a higher-than-average living expense that impacts take-home salary. Among employers, hospital imaging departments tend to offer some of the highest compensation levels, followed closely by outpatient MRI imaging centers and orthopedic surgery practices that utilize on-site MRI services. Pay disparities within the field often arise from subspecialty training, including cardiac MRI and magnetic resonance safety officer (MRSO) certification, as well as the demand for weekend and night shifts. MRI technologists looking to maximize their income in this competitive market should also consider opportunities with mobile MRI companies and utilize travel agency routes that pay a premium. By specializing in sought-after areas and being flexible in their work hours, professionals can effectively navigate the pay landscape in Long Beach, CA.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Long Beach, CA in 2026?
Is Long Beach, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Long Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Long Beach?
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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 $110,165 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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