Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Milpitas, CA: $125,454 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Milpitas, CA earns a median $125,454/year (≈ $60.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Milpitas's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $110,923 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average annual compensation for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Milpitas, California, is projected to be $125,454. Those in this role can expect a salary range between $92,035 at the lower end (P10) and up to $170,409 for top earners (P90). These figures, reflecting local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, account for the cost of living in Milpitas, which is higher than the national average. This competitive salary landscape can be attributed to the presence of various employers, including hospital imaging departments, outpatient facilities, and specialized healthcare settings. As the demand for MRI technologists continues to grow, particularly in subspecialties like cardiac MRI, the job market in Milpitas is poised for sustained expansion.
About the Milpitas Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,035 | $44.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,680 | $51.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,454 | $60.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,259 | $68.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,409 | $81.92 |
Median Salary Position
25.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milpitas
In Milpitas, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,374 (2026 est.). At $125,454, the local median is 25.1% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Milpitas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milpitas Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Milpitas median: $125,454/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milpitas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,334 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +25.10% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Milpitas, CA earn a median of $125,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.10% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 3.00% below the California state average of $129,334.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milpitas has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milpitas, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,454 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,923 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,836
2025 BLS Actual
$119,446
2026 Current Est.
$125,454
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Milpitas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,836 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,438 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,778 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,759 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,518 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,446 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,454 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,764 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milpitas metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $91,836 (2019) to $119,446 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,764 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,928 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milpitas 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) | $92,035 – $106,680 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,680 – $125,454 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,454 – $142,259 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,259 – $170,409 |
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 Milpitas
Despite the attractive salary figures, local living costs must also be considered, as the cost of living index in Milpitas is 113.1. This means that while magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Milpitas CA appears favorable compared to national trends, the purchasing power of these salaries can be impacted by the region's housing and everyday expenses. Notably, the employment rate for this profession stands at 16 technologists currently working in the area, further defining the local job market. High-paying opportunities may arise from employers in hospital imaging departments that provide lucrative shift differentials or subspecialty certifications such as MRSO. Additional avenues for increasing income include working for travel MRI firms or engaging in imaging roles within orthopedic and neuroscience practices. To maximize earning potential, technologists should seek ongoing education and clear delineation on the financial benefits of specialized training, especially as demand for specific skills like cardiac MRI surges.
More salary data for Milpitas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Milpitas, CA in 2026?
Is Milpitas, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Milpitas?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Milpitas?
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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 $119,446 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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