Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in San Clemente, CA: $128,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in San Clemente, CA earns a median $128,557/year (≈ $61.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in San Clemente's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $113,667 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals working as magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Clemente, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $128,557. This salary reflects a robust market characterized by a wide pay range, from $88,880 at the lower end to $176,166 at the higher end. The demand for MRI specialties, particularly in cardiac and neuro imaging, contributes to the competitive compensation package in this area, which exceeds the national median salary for this occupation by approximately 28.19%. The figures presented are derived from BLS state-level data and take regional price variations into account, highlighting the strong earning potential for those navigating this specialized field in San Clemente.
About the San Clemente Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,880 | $42.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,244 | $53.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,557 | $61.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,604 | $70.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,166 | $84.70 |
Median Salary Position
28.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Clemente
In San Clemente, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,286 (2026 est.). At $128,557, the local median is 28.19% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Clemente: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Clemente Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
San Clemente median: $128,557/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Clemente Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,333 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +28.19% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in San Clemente, CA earn a median of $128,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.19% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.60% below the California state average of $129,333.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Clemente has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Clemente, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $128,557 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $113,667 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,107
2025 BLS Actual
$122,400
2026 Current Est.
$128,557
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,107 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,748 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,171 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,671 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,721 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,023 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Clemente metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $94,107 (2019) to $122,400 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,023 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,916 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Clemente 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) | $88,880 – $110,244 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,244 – $128,557 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,557 – $146,604 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,604 – $176,166 |
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 San Clemente
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in San Clemente consists of about 10 professionals currently employed, indicating a niche but stable workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, living in San Clemente requires technologists to account for higher expenses, which emphasizes the importance of maximizing income. Employers such as local hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI facilities like RadNet, and orthopedic practices often provide the best pay. The significant salary variation arises from factors such as subspecialty expertise, shift differentials, and additional compensation for call coverage in trauma settings. To enhance earnings in this particular market, pursuing certifications like MRSO and securing shifts in high-demand specialties can provide advantageous opportunities for advancement and increased pay.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in San Clemente, CA in 2026?
Is San Clemente, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in San Clemente?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in San Clemente?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in San Clemente?
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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 $122,400 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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