Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist salary in California
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in California earn a median of $124,000 a year ($59.62 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,570 workers.
Pay ranges from $74,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $174,030 for the top 10%. That is 30% higher than the national median of $95,480. California ranks 2nd of 51 states for magnetic resonance imaging technologists pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.20 magnetic resonance imaging technologists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.70). The average (mean) salary is $120,560, close to the median.
Pay range for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $74,360 | $35.75 |
| 25th percentile | $92,970 | $44.70 |
| Median | $124,000 | $59.62 |
| 75th percentile | $151,760 | $72.96 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $174,030 | $83.67 |
| Average (mean) | $120,560 | $57.96 |
Half of magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,333.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,166.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,769.23 |
| Weekly | $2,384.62 |
| Hourly | $59.62 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $176,950 | 220 |
| Vallejo, CA | $176,650 | 30 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $146,260 | 420 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $144,810 | 220 |
| Modesto, CA | $126,980 | 50 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $125,660 | 30 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $123,080 | 320 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $109,800 | 1,290 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $108,410 | 40 |
| Fresno, CA | $106,710 | 130 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $106,010 | 320 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $98,550 | 60 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $86,050 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for magnetic resonance imaging technologists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $128,710 |
| California | $124,000 |
| Washington | $122,750 |
| Oregon | $121,920 |
| Alaska | $120,610 |
| Hawaii | $119,370 |
| New York | $113,270 |
| Massachusetts | $110,600 |
| Connecticut | $106,330 |
| New Hampshire | $105,420 |
See Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $79,750 | $38.34 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $55,110 | $26.50 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $76,010 | $36.54 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $60,390 | $29.03 |
| Emergency Medical Technician | $46,380 | $22.30 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $121,260 | $58.30 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $61,810 | $29.71 |
| Psychiatric Technician | $49,140 | $23.62 |
| Surgical Technologist | $81,310 | $39.09 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $60,630 | $29.15 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $128,530 | $61.79 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | $57,990 | $27.88 |
| Dietetic Technician | $46,410 | $22.31 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $78,170 | $37.58 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-2035. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make in California?
The median salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in California is $124,000 a year, or $59.62 an hour. Pay ranges from $74,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $174,030 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in California?
The top 10% of magnetic resonance imaging technologists in California earn at least $174,030 a year. The top 25% earn $151,760 or more.
What is the starting pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $74,360 a year, and a quarter of magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $92,970 or less.
How many magnetic resonance imaging technologists work in California?
About 3,570 magnetic resonance imaging technologists are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.