Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in South Gate, CA: $127,338 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in South Gate, CA earns a median $127,338/year (≈ $61.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in South Gate's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $112,589 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected for 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in South Gate is $127,338, reflecting a competitive pay scale that exceeds the national median of $100,283 by nearly 27%. The salary range shows significant variation: entry-level positions earn as little as $95,894, while those at the top of the market can earn up to $172,398. Such figures, derived from 2025 BLS data, project a strong demand for MRI technologists in this area, particularly given that roles in hospitals often come with shift differentials and call coverage that can drive higher compensation. The local job market indicates a dynamic environment for MRI professionals, suggesting opportunities for those willing to work in high-demand specialties.
About the South Gate Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,894 | $46.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,744 | $51.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,338 | $61.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,662 | $69.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,398 | $82.88 |
Median Salary Position
26.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Gate
In South Gate, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,504 (2026 est.). At $127,338, the local median is 26.98% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Gate: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Gate Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
South Gate median: $127,338/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Gate Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,278 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +26.98% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in South Gate, CA earn a median of $127,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.98% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.50% below the California state average of $129,278.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Gate has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Gate, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,338 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,589 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,216
2025 BLS Actual
$121,240
2026 Current Est.
$127,338
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,841 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,231 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,333 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,463 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,338 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,743 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Gate metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $93,216 (2019) to $121,240 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,743 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,527 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Gate 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) | $95,894 – $107,744 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,744 – $127,338 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,338 – $143,662 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,662 – $172,398 |
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 South Gate
Within South Gate, approximately 25 magnetic resonance imaging technologists are currently employed, with the cost-of-living index at 113.1 indicating a higher-than-average standard of living. This factor means that while salaries are robust, take-home purchasing power may vary. Competitive employers include hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, which often offer enhanced pay rates for specialized functions, particularly in cardiac MRI and advanced imaging. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to various factors, including subspecialty expertise and shifts worked—especially during nights and weekends—and call coverage at trauma centers. For those in the market, pursuing MRSO certification or gaining experience as an applications specialist can significantly boost pay. Being strategic about job selection and focus on high-demand areas may enhance earnings further in this thriving South Gate CA market.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in South Gate, CA in 2026?
Is South Gate, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in South Gate?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in South Gate?
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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 $121,240 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the South Gate 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 South Gate 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