Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Redwood City, CA: $126,448 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Redwood City, CA earns a median $126,448/year (≈ $60.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Redwood City's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $111,802 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Redwood City, California, the position of magnetic resonance imaging technologist commands a robust salary, with the 2026 median projected at $126,448. This figure places the local market significantly above the national median of $100,283, reflecting a difference of over 25%. Salary expectations vary widely, ranging from $94,204 at the 10th percentile to as high as $169,028 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected for 2026 with adjustments for regional cost variances. The competitive pay reflects the local healthcare landscape, dominated by hospital systems, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI services. Such demand for skilled technologists contributes to a favorable job market in Redwood City.
About the Redwood City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,204 | $45.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,934 | $50.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,448 | $60.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,650 | $68.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,028 | $81.26 |
Median Salary Position
26.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Redwood City
In Redwood City, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,824 (2026 est.). At $126,448, the local median is 26.09% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Redwood City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Redwood City Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Redwood City median: $126,448/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Redwood City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,292 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +26.09% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Redwood City, CA earn a median of $126,448 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.09% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.20% below the California state average of $129,292.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Redwood City has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Redwood City, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $126,448 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,802 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,564
2025 BLS Actual
$120,392
2026 Current Est.
$126,448
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Redwood City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,564 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,178 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,544 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,987 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,589 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,543 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,392 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,448 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,808 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Redwood City metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $92,564 (2019) to $120,392 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,808 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,244 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redwood City 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) | $94,204 – $105,934 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,934 – $126,448 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,448 – $141,650 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,650 – $169,028 |
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 Redwood City
With only 13 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in the area, job competition remains relatively stable. The cost-of-living index in Redwood City is pegged at 113.1, indicating that expenses are somewhat higher than the national average, which could constrain the purchasing power of residents. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed typically offer the most lucrative pay rates. Factors contributing to salary disparities include subspecialty certifications, shift differentials, and the growing demand for advanced techniques such as cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI. To maximize earning potential in this competitive environment, professionals should consider obtaining additional certifications like MRSO and pursue opportunities in high-demand subspecialties.
More salary data for Redwood City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Redwood City, 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 $120,392 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Redwood City 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 Redwood City 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