Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Temecula, CA: $132,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Temecula, CA earns a median $132,167/year (≈ $63.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Temecula's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $116,859 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Temecula, California, can expect a median salary of $132,167, significantly above the national median of $100,283. Earnings in this field show a substantial range, with the lowest 10% earning around $91,326 and the top 10% making up to $173,691. These figures represent local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences. Such competitive salaries are often driven by factors like shift differentials and call coverage, translating to enhanced compensation, especially for those working nights or weekends. The job market for MRI technologists in Temecula reflects a thriving demand for their specialized skills, suggesting promising opportunities for current and aspiring technologists.
About the Temecula Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,326 | $43.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,441 | $54.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $132,167 | $63.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,352 | $69.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173,691 | $83.51 |
Median Salary Position
31.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Temecula
In Temecula, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,365 (2026 est.). At $132,167, the local median is 31.79% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Temecula: You'd be above the median
How Temecula Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Temecula median: $132,167/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Temecula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,322 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +31.79% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Temecula, CA earn a median of $132,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.79% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.20% above the California state average of $129,322.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Temecula has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Temecula, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $132,167 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $116,859 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$96,750
2025 BLS Actual
$125,837
2026 Current Est.
$132,167
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Temecula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,437 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,448 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,837 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,815 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Temecula metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $96,750 (2019) to $125,837 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,815 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,065 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Temecula 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) | $91,326 – $113,441 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,441 – $132,167 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $132,167 – $145,352 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,352 – $173,691 |
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 Temecula
Looking deeper into the local job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, Temecula employs approximately 25 professionals in this field. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, slightly above the national average, indicating that while salaries are high, living expenses are also elevated, affecting overall purchasing power. Major employers, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers like RadNet, and specialized practices such as orthopedic institutions and neuroscience institutes, are known for offering competitive pay. The variation between entry-level and experienced technologists often hinges on factors such as subspecialty expertise, with cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI being particularly lucrative areas. Additionally, those working for mobile MRI companies or travel agencies may earn higher wages due to the nature of the work. For technologists looking to maximize their earnings in Temecula, pursuing advanced certifications like MRSO or focusing on in-demand subspecialties could be beneficial strategies to increase their market value.
More salary data for Temecula, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Temecula, CA in 2026?
Is Temecula, CA a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Temecula?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Temecula?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Temecula?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $125,837 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Temecula 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 Temecula 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