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MRI Technologist in California: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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California employs 3,570 mri technologists, with a statewide median of $124,000 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact California licensing picture, and where to train.

What Mri technologists Earn in California (May 2025)

California median pay: $124,000 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $74,360
Experienced (75th percentile): $151,760
Top earners (90th percentile): $174,030
Employed in California: 3,570
U.S. median (for comparison): $83,200 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for mri technologists in major California markets:

Sacramento: $144,810 (220 employed)
San Diego: $123,080 (320 employed)
Los Angeles: $109,800 (1,290 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in California

Prices in California run about 11% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $124,000 median is worth closer to $112,014 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in California (2024–2034)

California is projected to grow mri technologists employment +18.4%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 280 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

California License and Certification Requirements

CDPH Radiologic Technologist Certificate (MRI specialty) — regulated by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) — Radiologic Health Branch.

California requires a CDPH Radiologic Technologist certificate that covers MRI. The ARRT R.T.(MR) credential or the ARMRIT certification both satisfy the California state requirement — earning either national credential allows you to apply to CDPH for the CA certificate.
For the ARRT MRI path: first earn a primary ARRT credential (R.T. in Radiography is most common), then complete 12 months of clinical MRI experience and pass the ARRT post-primary MRI exam.
For the ARMRIT direct-entry path: complete an ARMRIT-approved MRI program (typically 1–2 years), document clinical hours, pass the ARMRIT exam, then apply to CDPH. Annual renewal requires continuing education.

Official requirements: California Department of Public Health (CDPH) — Radiologic Health Branch →

Training in California

California is one of the few states with a mandatory state certificate for MRI techs — verify current CDPH requirements before starting a program. Demand is extremely strong in the Bay Area and Greater LA; travel MRI positions in California typically offer the highest wages in the country.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in California include:

ATI College-Whittier — Certificate
Allan Hancock College — Certificate / Associate
American Career College-Anaheim — Associate
American Career College-Los Angeles — Associate

Where Mri technologists Work in California

Real California hospitals that employ mri technologists include:

US Navy Medical Center San Diego — San Diego
VA Hosp — Palo Alto
VA Hosp — Long Beach
Dept of State Hospitals - Napa — Napa
VA Hosps-Brentwood & Wadsworth — Los Angeles
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center — San Jose

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People interested in healthcare technology who want strong wages and can handle calm, precise, controlled environments.

Think twice if: Claustrophobic patients, on-call rotations, and strict MRI safety protocols sound stressful rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: MRI scanning requires licensed, patient-present technical work with real-time safety decisions around magnetic fields and contraindications.

First Steps

Look for ARRT-eligible MRI programs — either a primary MRI track or post-primary certification for existing RT graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do mri technologists make in California?

The median wage for mri technologists in California is $124,000 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $74,360, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $174,030. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a MRI Technologist in California?

CDPH Radiologic Technologist Certificate (MRI specialty), overseen by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) — Radiologic Health Branch. California requires a CDPH Radiologic Technologist certificate that covers MRI. The ARRT R.T.(MR) credential or the ARMRIT certification both satisfy the California state requirement — earning either national credential allows you to apply to CDPH for the CA certificate.

Is being a MRI Technologist a good career in California?

MRI scanning requires licensed, patient-present technical work with real-time safety decisions around magnetic fields and contraindications.

Which California metros pay mri technologists the most?

Among California metro areas, Sacramento leads at $144,810, followed by San Diego ($123,080), Los Angeles ($109,800). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a MRI Technologist in California?

Real California options include ATI College-Whittier, Allan Hancock College, American Career College-Anaheim. Most mri technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is MRI Technologist a growing career in California?

California projects mri technologists employment to change +18.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 280 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), California statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2035. Licensing summary compiled from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) — Radiologic Health Branch (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET California wages · California licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.