MRI Technologist Pay

Long Branch vs Trenton: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Long Branch, NJ
$112,719
$54.20/hr
Trenton, NJ
$107,603
$51.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLong Branch, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$112,719$107,603
Hourly Rate$54.20$51.73
Entry Level (P10)$80,712$87,763
25th Percentile$93,970$96,785
75th Percentile$126,696$110,618
Top Earner (P90)$150,407$120,995
Total Employed860
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Long Branch ($112,719) and Trenton ($107,603) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.Long BranchTrentonMedian Salary$112,719$107,603Entry Level (P10)$80,712$87,763Top Earner (P90)$150,407$120,995US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Long Branch and Trenton is $5,116 (4.75%). Long Branch's median is +12.40% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Long Branch spans $69,695,Trenton spans $33,232. Long Branch has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Long Branch
P10 (Entry)$80,712
P25$93,970
Median$112,719
P75$126,696
P90 (Top)$150,407
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 6.58% more than Long Branch ($97,846 effective).

Long Branch
Nominal: $112,719
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $97,846
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 Long Branch if…

  • Higher median salary ($112,719/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($150,407)
  • 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 Long Branch grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Long Branch, NJ

+1.6%

$105,657 (2024) → $107,321 (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: Long Branch or Trenton?

Long Branch has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $112,719/year, compared to Trenton at $107,603/year — a difference of $5,116 (4.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Long Branch and Trenton?

Long Branch magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $54.20/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $51.73/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Long Branch and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Long Branch = $97,846, Trenton = $104,287), job availability (8 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $80,712 in Long Branch 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