MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Boston, MA
$130,143
$62.57/hr
Somerville, MA
$110,291
$53.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MASomerville, MA
Median Salary$130,143$110,291
Hourly Rate$62.57$53.03
Entry Level (P10)$64,604$79,781
25th Percentile$104,410$92,939
75th Percentile$141,486$121,634
Top Earner (P90)$156,946$144,660
Total Employed1,16020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($130,143) and Somerville ($110,291) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.BostonSomervilleMedian Salary$130,143$110,291Entry Level (P10)$64,604$79,781Top Earner (P90)$156,946$144,660US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Boston and Somerville is $19,852 (18.00%). 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,Somerville spans $64,879. 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
Somerville
P10 (Entry)$79,781
P25$92,939
Median$110,291
P75$121,634
P90 (Top)$144,660

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($120,207 effective) pays 18.25% more than Somerville ($101,651 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $130,143
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $120,207
Somerville
Nominal: $110,291
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $101,651

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 Somerville 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 Somerville over the same period.

Boston, MA

+43.9%

$86,130 (2019) → $123,910 (2025)

Somerville, MA

+-6.4%

$112,180 (2024) → $105,009 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $130,143/year, compared to Somerville at $110,291/year — a difference of $19,852 (18.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Somerville?

Boston magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $62.57/hr while Somerville hygienists earn $53.03/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Somerville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $120,207, Somerville = $101,651), job availability (1,160 vs 20 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,604 in Boston and $79,781 in Somerville. The Somerville 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