Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Murrieta, CA: $129,002 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Murrieta, CA earns a median $129,002/year (≈ $62.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Murrieta's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,060 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murrieta, California, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary is projected to reach a median of $129,002 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $100,283. The salary range extends from $94,352 at the 10th percentile to $175,975 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse earning potential within the field. These figures are derived from state-level data and factoring in regional cost adjustments. The strong demand for specialists in cardiac MRI and neuro imaging significantly boosts compensation in this market, as these subspecialties are increasingly valued for their role in complex diagnostics. The growing prevalence of advanced MRI techniques has further solidified the position of MRI technologists as key players in healthcare, giving them leverage in salary negotiations throughout the area.
About the Murrieta Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,352 | $45.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,806 | $52.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,002 | $62.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,950 | $71.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,975 | $84.60 |
Median Salary Position
28.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murrieta
In Murrieta, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $81,623 (2026 est.). At $129,002, the local median is 28.64% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murrieta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murrieta Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Murrieta median: $129,002/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murrieta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,261 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +28.64% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Murrieta, CA earn a median of $129,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.64% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.20% below the California state average of $129,261.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murrieta has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murrieta, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,002 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,060 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,433
2025 BLS Actual
$122,824
2026 Current Est.
$129,002
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,433 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,515 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,027 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,722 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,824 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,002 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,491 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murrieta metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $94,433 (2019) to $122,824 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,491 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,058 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murrieta 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) | $94,352 – $109,806 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,806 – $129,002 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,002 – $148,950 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,950 – $175,975 |
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 Murrieta
Currently, 25 magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed in Murrieta, contributing to a competitive job market. Despite the local cost of living index at 113.1, which is above the national average, the strong salaries for MRI technologists help maintain their purchasing power. Top employers in the region, including hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, typically offer the highest compensation packages. Factors influencing salary variations include subspecialty expertise, shift differentials for evening and weekend work, and the potential for additional income from travel assignments or applications specialist roles. Those looking to maximize their pay should consider pursuing advanced certifications like MRSO and staying updated on emerging technologies and trends in MRI, as continuous education is highly valued in the Murrieta market.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Murrieta, CA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Murrieta?
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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 $122,824 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Murrieta 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 Murrieta 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