MRI Technologist Pay

Hackensack vs Newark: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Hackensack, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hackensack, NJ
$110,854
$53.29/hr
Newark, NJ
$124,497
$59.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHackensack, NJNewark, NJ
Median Salary$110,854$124,497
Hourly Rate$53.29$59.86
Entry Level (P10)$85,477$81,519
25th Percentile$96,922$106,406
75th Percentile$118,426$144,917
Top Earner (P90)$144,064$178,674
Total Employed861
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hackensack ($110,854) and Newark ($124,497) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.HackensackNewarkMedian Salary$110,854$124,497Entry Level (P10)$85,477$81,519Top Earner (P90)$144,064$178,674US Median $100,283

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hackensack.

The salary gap between Hackensack and Newark is $13,643 (12.31%). Newark's median is +24.15% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hackensack spans $58,587,Newark spans $97,155. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Hackensack
P10 (Entry)$85,477
P25$96,922
Median$110,854
P75$118,426
P90 (Top)$144,064
Newark
P10 (Entry)$81,519
P25$106,406
Median$124,497
P75$144,917
P90 (Top)$178,674

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($108,070 effective) pays 12.31% more than Hackensack ($96,227 effective).

Hackensack
Nominal: $110,854
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $96,227
Newark
Nominal: $124,497
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $108,070

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hackensack if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($124,497/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($178,674)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,070)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Hackensack grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in Newark over the same period.

Hackensack, NJ

+1.6%

$103,909 (2024) → $105,545 (2025)

Newark, NJ

+4.1%

$113,871 (2024) → $118,535 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Hackensack or Newark?

Newark has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $124,497/year, compared to Hackensack at $110,854/year — a difference of $13,643 (12.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hackensack and Newark?

Hackensack magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $53.29/hr while Newark hygienists earn $59.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hackensack to Newark as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hackensack and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hackensack = $96,227, Newark = $108,070), job availability (8 vs 61 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Hackensack vs Newark?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $85,477 in Hackensack and $81,519 in Newark. The Hackensack area offers higher starting salaries.
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