Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Riverside, CA: $111,342 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Riverside, CA earns a median $111,342/year (≈ $53.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Riverside's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.4), that paycheck buys what $104,603 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.9% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Riverside, California, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median annual salary of $111,342, which is notably higher than the national median of $100,283. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, from $65,812 at the lower end to an impressive $154,930 for the top earners. Such competitive compensation in Riverside is often complemented by shift differentials and call coverage opportunities, which are common in hospital settings. This robust salary framework derives from data based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, projected to 2026, reflecting a growing demand for skilled MRI technologists. The local job market is thriving, influenced by advancements in imaging technology and the increasing complexity of procedures like cardiac MRI.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,812 | $31.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,238 | $41.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,342 | $53.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,910 | $67.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,930 | $74.49 |
Median Salary Position
11.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Riverside
In Riverside, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $89,118 (2026 est.). At $111,342, the local median is 11.03% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Riverside: You'd be above the median
How Riverside Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Riverside median: $111,342/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Riverside Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,317 | -13.90% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +11.03% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Riverside, CA earn a median of $111,342 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.03% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 13.90% below the California state average of $129,317.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Riverside has a cost of living 6.44% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Riverside, CA has a cost-of-living index of 106.442 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $111,342 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,603 — a 6.05% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,720
2025 BLS Actual
$106,010
2026 Current Est.
$111,342
2019–2027 Growth
+27.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Riverside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,342 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Riverside metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 15.6% from $91,720 (2019) to $106,010 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,223 (27.50%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverside 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) | $65,812 – $87,238 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,238 – $111,342 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,342 – $139,910 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,910 – $154,930 |
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 Riverside
With around 320 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Riverside, the local job market reflects strong opportunities for growth, particularly as the cost of living index stands at 106.442, slightly above the national average. This means that while salaries are competitive, take-home pay may be influenced by local living expenses. In Riverside, employers such as hospital imaging departments and specialized outpatient MRI centers, including RadNet and SimonMed, tend to offer higher pay. Factors contributing to the salary spread include subspecialty expertise, such as cardiac MRI, and additional income from working nights, weekends, or as traveling MRI techs. To maximize pay in this market, technologists should consider pursuing specialized certifications like MRSO and staying updated on the latest imaging technologies, which can enhance employability and compensation potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Riverside, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Riverside, CA in 2026?
Is Riverside, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Riverside?
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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 $106,010 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Riverside 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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