Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Merced, CA: $125,598 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Merced, CA earns a median $125,598/year (≈ $60.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Merced's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $111,050 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Merced, CA, is projected to reach a median of $125,598, significantly surpassing the national median of $100,283. The salary range varies widely, from approximately $88,699 at the low end (P10) to about $166,626 at the high end (P90), reflecting a market influenced by demand for specialized MRI services. In this region, shift differentials and call coverage opportunities often drive the upper range of salaries, particularly for technologists who work nights or weekends at busy trauma centers. These local estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, showcasing a robust employment opportunity for MRI technologists in Merced.
About the Merced Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,699 | $42.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,221 | $50.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,598 | $60.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,649 | $67.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,626 | $80.11 |
Median Salary Position
25.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Merced
In Merced, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,927 (2026 est.). At $125,598, the local median is 25.24% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Merced: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Merced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Merced median: $125,598/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Merced Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,216 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +25.24% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Merced, CA earn a median of $125,598 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.24% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.80% below the California state average of $129,216.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Merced has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Merced, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,598 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,050 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,942
2025 BLS Actual
$119,583
2026 Current Est.
$125,598
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,942 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,545 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,889 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,308 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,879 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,666 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,583 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,598 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,916 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Merced metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $91,942 (2019) to $119,583 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,916 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,974 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merced 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) | $88,699 – $104,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,221 – $125,598 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,598 – $139,649 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,649 – $166,626 |
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 Merced
Analyzing the job market, Merced currently employs around 20 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, which indicates a competitive sector known for its diverse employers, including hospital departments, outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and orthopedic practices. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, meaning that while MRI technologists enjoy favorable pay rates that may be higher than national averages, the increased living expenses impact their overall purchasing power. To maximize earnings, professionals in this field should consider positions that offer lucrative benefits like trauma call coverage or specialties in areas such as cardiac MRI, which tend to command better salaries. Additionally, pursuing certifications like MRSO or engaging in applications specialist roles can further enhance income potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Merced, 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 $119,583 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Merced 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 Merced 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