Senior Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Davis, CA: $164,612 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of magnetic resonance imaging technologists working in Davis, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $164,612/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2035. Strip back Davis's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $145,546 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Davis, California, seasoned magnetic resonance imaging technologists can anticipate a robust annual salary that reflects their expertise, with top earners projected to achieve an impressive $164,612 by 2026. The median salary for these professionals stands at $125,106, illustrating a significant salary differential that rewards experience with higher pay. This financial potential positions the Davis market approximately 24.75% above the national median of $100,283, highlighting the lucrative opportunities for those reaching for top-tier salaries. Achieving these elite compensation levels often requires further specialization, whether through advanced certifications, such as ARRT(MR) or MR safety officer credentials, or by excelling within high-demand subspecialties like cardiac or neuroradiology MRI.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
Experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists at the top of the pay scale in Davis earn between $141,312 and $164,612 per year (2026 est.). This $73,506 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Davis median of $125,106 sits 24.75% above the US median.
Top MRI Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Davis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $125,106 | $100,283 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,312 | $111,689 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $164,612 | $134,092 |
In Davis, experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists (P90) earn 31.58% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay in Davis
Advanced Certifications in California
CA magnetic resonance imaging technologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $125,106 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Davis employers.
Specialty Focus
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Davis command premium compensation, often reaching the $141,312–$164,612 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Davis metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Davis with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Davis
Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
5-10 yearsMagnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDavis ranks #141 of 157 California cities for top earner magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary (90th percentile: $164,612).
Top 10% magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation in Davis ($164,612) is 5.61% below the California average P90 ($174,391).
2019 BLS Actual
$124,701
2025 BLS Actual
$156,729
2026 Current Est.
$164,612
2019–2027 Growth
+38.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,701 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,929 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,829 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,715 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,008 | Actual |
| 2024 | $175,087 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $164,612 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $172,892 | Projected |
Top-earning magnetic resonance imaging technologists (90th percentile) in Davis saw their compensation grow 25.7% from $124,701 in 2019 to $156,729 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.03% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $172,892 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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.
Maximizing Your Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Earnings in Davis
Compensation for senior MRI technologists in Davis varies widely depending on the type of employer and specialization pursued. Neuroradiology and cardiac MRI specialists are particularly well-compensated, often positioned at the forefront of advanced imaging technologies. Positions in hospital imaging departments and academic research institutions typically offer superior pay compared to outpatient imaging centers or mobile MRI companies. Moreover, career advancement opportunities abound, with roles as lead MRI techs, modality supervisors, or applications specialists commanding significant wage growth. Holding advanced credentials beyond basic registrations, alongside pursuing leadership roles within organizations like ASRT or SMRT, can further elevate earning potential in a competitive job market. Factors such as shift differentials and call coverage also serve as critical components that enhance overall compensation in this thriving field for senior magnetic resonance imaging technologists in CA.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Davis in 2026?
What drives higher magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Davis?
What certifications boost magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Davis?
Can experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists make six figures in Davis?
How much does magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary increase over time in Davis?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $156,729 for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the Davis metro area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis 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