Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Los Angeles, CA: $115,323 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Los Angeles, CA earns a median $115,323/year (≈ $55.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Los Angeles's price level (14% above national, BEA RPP 113.6), that paycheck buys what $101,547 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.8% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Los Angeles, CA, can expect a robust median annual salary of $115,323, which surpasses the national median of $100,283 by approximately 15%. Salaries in this field show a considerable range, with the lowest earners making around $67,608 and the highest reaching up to $167,145. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, reflects the competitive nature of the job market within the region. The presence of numerous healthcare facilities, from hospital imaging departments to outpatient centers, drives demand for skilled MRI technologists, ensuring a steady influx of opportunities for those entering this specialty.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,608 | $32.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,832 | $43.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,323 | $55.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,011 | $68.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,145 | $80.36 |
Median Salary Position
15.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,537 (2026 est.). At $115,323, the local median is 15% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Los Angeles: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Los Angeles Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Los Angeles median: $115,323/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Los Angeles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,286 | -10.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +15.00% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $115,323 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.00% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 10.80% below the California state average of $129,286.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Los Angeles has a cost of living 13.57% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Los Angeles, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.566 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,323 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,547 — a 11.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,430
2025 BLS Actual
$109,800
2026 Current Est.
$115,323
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,380 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,323 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,124 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 9.3% from $100,430 (2019) to $109,800 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,124 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,694 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Angeles 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) | $67,608 – $89,832 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,832 – $115,323 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,323 – $142,011 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,011 – $167,145 |
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 Los Angeles
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Los Angeles is characterized by both substantial employment numbers and a high cost of living index, currently at 113.566. With approximately 1,290 professionals in this field, competition is evident, yet the standard of living challenges must be acknowledged. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient facilities, including RadNet, often offer the most competitive pay, primarily influenced by subspecialties like cardiac MRI or neuroimaging. The pay gap within the profession is driven by multiple factors, including assigned shift differentials for night and weekend work, call coverage at trauma centers, and additional stipends for MRSO certification. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications like ARMRIT or focusing on in-demand subspecialties can prove beneficial in enhancing both salary and job satisfaction within the vibrant Los Angeles market.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Los Angeles, CA in 2026?
Is Los Angeles, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Los Angeles?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Los Angeles?
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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 $109,800 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Los Angeles 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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