Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Santa Maria, CA: $131,981 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Santa Maria, CA earns a median $131,981/year (≈ $63.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Santa Maria's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.8), that paycheck buys what $121,308 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Maria is projected to reach a median annual salary of $131,981, indicating a strong market for these professionals compared to the national median of $100,283. With salaries ranging from $96,397 at the 10th percentile to $159,331 at the 90th percentile, there is a substantial opportunity for MRI technologists to enhance their earnings based on experience and specialization. This data, derived from projected figures based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, reflects the competitive environment in Santa Maria, where a variety of healthcare facilities, including hospitals and specialized outpatient imaging centers, shape the job landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,397 | $46.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,274 | $50.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,981 | $63.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,924 | $71.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $159,331 | $76.60 |
Median Salary Position
31.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Maria
In Santa Maria, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,934 (2026 est.). At $131,981, the local median is 31.61% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Santa Maria: You'd be above the median
How Santa Maria Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Santa Maria median: $131,981/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Maria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,266 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +31.61% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Santa Maria, CA earn a median of $131,981 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.61% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.10% above the California state average of $129,266.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Maria has a cost of living 8.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Maria, CA has a cost-of-living index of 108.798 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $131,981 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $121,308 — a 8.09% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,614
2025 BLS Actual
$125,660
2026 Current Est.
$131,981
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,614 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,299 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,813 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,405 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,209 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,472 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,981 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,619 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Maria metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $96,614 (2019) to $125,660 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,619 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,005 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Maria 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) | $96,397 – $104,274 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,274 – $131,981 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,981 – $147,924 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,924 – $159,331 |
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 Santa Maria
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Santa Maria comprises around 30 professionals currently working in the field, with a cost-of-living index of 108.798 suggesting that while salaries are robust, the purchasing power is tempered by higher living expenses. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments often offer the highest wages, although outpatient centers and mobile MRI services can present competitive compensation as well. The variance in salary can be attributed to several factors, such as subspecialization in cardiac or neuro MRI, shift differentials for weekend or night shifts, and additional income from on-call or travel assignments. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential, pursuing certifications like MRSO and considering ongoing education in the rapidly evolving areas of cardiac and prostate mpMRI would be beneficial in making a mark in Santa Maria's MRI job market.
More salary data for Santa Maria, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $125,660 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Santa Maria 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, 2-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