MRI Technologist Pay

New Bedford vs Worcester: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

New Bedford, MA
$109,618
$52.70/hr
Worcester, MA
$110,218
$52.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNew Bedford, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$109,618$110,218
Hourly Rate$52.70$52.99
Entry Level (P10)$81,797$82,953
25th Percentile$94,535$105,639
75th Percentile$121,010$132,170
Top Earner (P90)$144,827$137,411
Total Employed24180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing New Bedford ($109,618) and Worcester ($110,218) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.New BedfordWorcesterMedian Salary$109,618$110,218Entry Level (P10)$81,797$82,953Top Earner (P90)$144,827$137,411US Median $100,283

Verdict

Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Bedford.

The salary gap between New Bedford and Worcester is $600 (0.55%). Worcester's median is +9.91% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Bedford spans $63,030,Worcester spans $54,458. New Bedford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

New Bedford
P10 (Entry)$81,797
P25$94,535
Median$109,618
P75$121,010
P90 (Top)$144,827
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$82,953
P25$105,639
Median$110,218
P75$132,170
P90 (Top)$137,411

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($107,506 effective) pays 6.41% more than New Bedford ($101,030 effective).

New Bedford
Nominal: $109,618
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $101,030
Worcester
Nominal: $110,218
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $107,506

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose New Bedford if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($144,827)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,218/year)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,506)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in New Bedford grew 22.8% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Worcester over the same period.

New Bedford, MA

+22.8%

$84,990 (2022) → $104,368 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+22.7%

$85,500 (2019) → $104,940 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: New Bedford or Worcester?

Worcester has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $110,218/year, compared to New Bedford at $109,618/year — a difference of $600 (0.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between New Bedford and Worcester?

New Bedford magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $52.70/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $52.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from New Bedford to Worcester as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing New Bedford and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: New Bedford = $101,030, Worcester = $107,506), job availability (24 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in New Bedford vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $81,797 in New Bedford and $82,953 in Worcester. The Worcester 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