MRI Technologist Pay

Boston vs Northampton: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Boston, MA and Northampton, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$130,143
$62.57/hr
Northampton, MA
$104,146
$50.07/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MANorthampton, MA
Median Salary$130,143$104,146
Hourly Rate$62.57$50.07
Entry Level (P10)$64,604$79,438
25th Percentile$104,410$90,742
75th Percentile$141,486$114,706
Top Earner (P90)$156,946$135,103
Total Employed1,1606
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($130,143) and Northampton ($104,146) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BostonNorthamptonMedian Salary$130,143$104,146Entry Level (P10)$64,604$79,438Top Earner (P90)$156,946$135,103US Median $100,283

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Northampton.

The salary gap between Boston and Northampton is $25,997 (24.96%). Boston's median is +29.78% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $92,342,Northampton spans $55,665. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$64,604
P25$104,410
Median$130,143
P75$141,486
P90 (Top)$156,946
Northampton
P10 (Entry)$79,438
P25$90,742
Median$104,146
P75$114,706
P90 (Top)$135,103

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($120,207 effective) pays 25.23% more than Northampton ($95,987 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $130,143
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $120,207
Northampton
Nominal: $104,146
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $95,987

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($130,143/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($156,946)
  • Larger job market (1,160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,207)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Northampton if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Boston grew 43.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.4% growth in Northampton over the same period.

Boston, MA

+43.9%

$86,130 (2019) → $123,910 (2025)

Northampton, MA

+-6.4%

$105,929 (2024) → $99,158 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Boston or Northampton?

Boston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $130,143/year, compared to Northampton at $104,146/year — a difference of $25,997 (24.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Northampton?

Boston magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $62.57/hr while Northampton hygienists earn $50.07/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Northampton as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Northampton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $120,207, Northampton = $95,987), job availability (1,160 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Boston vs Northampton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,604 in Boston and $79,438 in Northampton. The Northampton area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

CT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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