Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Mission Viejo, CA: $130,471 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Mission Viejo, CA earns a median $130,471/year (≈ $62.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Mission Viejo's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $115,359 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average compensation for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Mission Viejo, California, reaches $130,471, significantly surpassing the national median of $100,283. The local salary range spans from $93,460 at the 10th percentile to $169,981 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust job market for this specialized field. Based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, these estimates account for regional price adjustments and the specific demand in this area. Factors such as the booming cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties contribute to the premium pay, reflecting the higher qualifications and skill sets that are increasingly sought after by local employers. As a result, technologists in Mission Viejo who have chosen to specialize can expect attractive financial rewards that align with their expertise.
About the Mission Viejo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,460 | $44.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,255 | $52.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,471 | $62.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,201 | $68.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,981 | $81.72 |
Median Salary Position
30.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mission Viejo
In Mission Viejo, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,521 (2026 est.). At $130,471, the local median is 30.1% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Mission Viejo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mission Viejo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Mission Viejo median: $130,471/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mission Viejo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,308 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +30.10% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $130,471 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.10% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% above the California state average of $129,308.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mission Viejo has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mission Viejo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,471 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,359 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,509
2025 BLS Actual
$124,223
2026 Current Est.
$130,471
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Mission Viejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,509 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,174 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,648 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,949 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,697 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,471 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,034 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mission Viejo metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $95,509 (2019) to $124,223 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,034 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,525 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mission Viejo 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) | $93,460 – $109,255 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,255 – $130,471 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,471 – $143,201 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,201 – $169,981 |
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 Mission Viejo
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Mission Viejo is relatively strong, with 23 professionals currently employed in this specialty. Despite the higher salaries, the cost of living in the area, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 113.1, can impact disposable income and purchasing power. Therefore, those seeking employment should consider targeting hospitals, outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and orthopedic practices, as these employers tend to offer some of the highest pay in the region. The salary variation can also be influenced by factors such as subspecialty training, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and additional income opportunities such as MRSO certification stipends. To maximize earning potential, aspiring technologists should focus on specializing in high-demand areas, pursuing night and weekend shifts, and seeking additional certifications that enhance their skill set in this competitive market.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Mission Viejo, CA in 2026?
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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 $124,223 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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