Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Tustin, CA: $129,141 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Tustin, CA earns a median $129,141/year (≈ $62.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Tustin's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $114,183 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Tustin, California, can expect to see a competitive median salary of $129,141 in 2026, well above the national average of $100,283. This role's earning potential varies significantly, with salaries projected to range from $89,829 at the low end to $170,271 for seasoned technologists at the top tier. The strong local market for MRI professionals is enhanced by the increasing demand for cardiac and neuro subspecialties, which often command higher premiums. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional price variations, illustrate Tustin's robust employment outlook and its appeal as a destination for MRI technologists.
About the Tustin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,829 | $43.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,529 | $51.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,141 | $62.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,955 | $68.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,271 | $81.86 |
Median Salary Position
28.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tustin
In Tustin, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,442 (2026 est.). At $129,141, the local median is 28.78% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tustin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tustin Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Tustin median: $129,141/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tustin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,270 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +28.78% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Tustin, CA earn a median of $129,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.78% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.10% below the California state average of $129,270.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tustin has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tustin, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,141 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,183 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,535
2025 BLS Actual
$122,956
2026 Current Est.
$129,141
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,535 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,183 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,622 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,137 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,838 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,323 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,956 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,141 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,636 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tustin metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $94,535 (2019) to $122,956 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,636 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,101 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tustin 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) | $89,829 – $106,529 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,529 – $129,141 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,141 – $142,955 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,955 – $170,271 |
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 Tustin
Currently, Tustin employs 18 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, reflecting a focused yet competitive job market. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the purchasing power of salaries in Tustin is slightly restricted compared to the national average; however, the median pay still significantly exceeds that of many other areas. Employers in the region vary in compensation, with hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet often offering the most attractive salaries. Factors contributing to the salary range include subspecialty certifications—such as cardiac MRI or the MRSO certification—as well as work conditions like shift differentials for overnight hours or extra pay for travel assignments. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing certifications in high-demand areas and considering roles that offer additional stipends for specialized skills or on-call duties can be effective strategies in the Tustin market.
More salary data for Tustin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Tustin, CA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Tustin?
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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 $122,956 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Tustin 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 Tustin 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