MRI Technologist Pay

Hamilton vs Trenton: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Hamilton, NJ
$112,289
$53.99/hr
Trenton, NJ
$107,603
$51.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHamilton, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$112,289$107,603
Hourly Rate$53.99$51.73
Entry Level (P10)$82,534$87,763
25th Percentile$95,690$96,785
75th Percentile$124,979$110,618
Top Earner (P90)$148,753$120,995
Total Employed2160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hamilton ($112,289) and Trenton ($107,603) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.HamiltonTrentonMedian Salary$112,289$107,603Entry Level (P10)$82,534$87,763Top Earner (P90)$148,753$120,995US Median $100,283

Verdict

Hamilton, NJ offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.

The salary gap between Hamilton and Trenton is $4,686 (4.35%). Hamilton's median is +11.97% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hamilton spans $66,219,Trenton spans $33,232. Hamilton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hamilton
P10 (Entry)$82,534
P25$95,690
Median$112,289
P75$124,979
P90 (Top)$148,753
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$87,763
P25$96,785
Median$107,603
P75$110,618
P90 (Top)$120,995

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($104,287 effective) pays 6.99% more than Hamilton ($97,473 effective).

Hamilton
Nominal: $112,289
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $97,473
Trenton
Nominal: $107,603
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $104,287

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hamilton if…

  • Higher median salary ($112,289/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($148,753)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,287)
  • 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 Hamilton grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Hamilton, NJ

+1.6%

$105,254 (2024) → $106,911 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+31.7%

$77,800 (2019) → $102,450 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Hamilton or Trenton?

Hamilton has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $112,289/year, compared to Trenton at $107,603/year — a difference of $4,686 (4.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hamilton and Trenton?

Hamilton magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $53.99/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $51.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hamilton to Trenton as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hamilton and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hamilton = $97,473, Trenton = $104,287), job availability (21 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Hamilton vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $82,534 in Hamilton and $87,763 in Trenton. The Trenton 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