Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Westminster, CA: $130,666 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Westminster, CA earns a median $130,666/year (≈ $62.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Westminster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $115,531 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The projected median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Westminster, California, is $130,666, significantly higher than the national median of $100,283, highlighting the area's demand for specialized skills. Locally sourced estimates reveal a salary range from $93,382 at the lower end to $175,398 at the top, indicating substantial earning potential for technologists, especially those specializing in cardiac MRI or neuro subspecialties that command premium pay. These projections, based on 2025 BLS data, reflect the competitive market for imaging professionals and the importance of advanced certifications in determining salary levels. Westminster’s job market is favorable for MRI technologists, positioning them well in a thriving healthcare environment.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,382 | $44.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,657 | $52.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,666 | $62.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $146,513 | $70.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $175,398 | $84.33 |
Median Salary Position
30.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westminster
In Westminster, CA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,016 (2026 est.). At $130,666, the local median is 30.3% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westminster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westminster Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Westminster median: $130,666/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westminster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $129,244 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +30.30% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Westminster, CA earn a median of $130,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.30% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.10% above the California state average of $129,244.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westminster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westminster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,666 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,531 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,651
2025 BLS Actual
$124,408
2026 Current Est.
$130,666
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,651 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,319 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,798 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,355 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,898 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,408 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,666 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,238 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westminster metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $95,651 (2019) to $124,408 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,238 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,587 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster 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) | $93,382 – $109,657 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,657 – $130,666 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,666 – $146,513 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $146,513 – $175,398 |
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 Westminster
The employment landscape in Westminster features around 21 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, which establishes a relatively concentrated market for this profession. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the local economic reality influences take-home pay, emphasizing the need for competitive salaries to ensure adequate purchasing power. Major employers such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient MRI centers like RadNet, and specialized orthopedic or neuroscience institutes frequently offer higher compensation for qualified technicians. Variations in pay can also arise from subspecialty focus, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and specialized certifications like MRSO. To maximize earnings, MRI technologists should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking roles that incorporate advanced imaging techniques. This strategic approach can significantly enhance their marketability and potential salary in Westminster, CA.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Westminster, CA in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Westminster?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Westminster?
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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 $124,408 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Westminster 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 Westminster 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