MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Newark, NJ
$124,497
$59.86/hr
Plainfield, NJ
$115,308
$55.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJPlainfield, NJ
Median Salary$124,497$115,308
Hourly Rate$59.86$55.43
Entry Level (P10)$81,519$80,045
25th Percentile$106,406$94,996
75th Percentile$144,917$124,997
Top Earner (P90)$178,674$159,155
Total Employed6110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($124,497) and Plainfield ($115,308) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.NewarkPlainfieldMedian Salary$124,497$115,308Entry Level (P10)$81,519$80,045Top Earner (P90)$178,674$159,155US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Newark and Plainfield is $9,189 (7.97%). 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 Newark spans $97,155,Plainfield spans $79,110. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$81,519
P25$106,406
Median$124,497
P75$144,917
P90 (Top)$178,674
Plainfield
P10 (Entry)$80,045
P25$94,996
Median$115,308
P75$124,997
P90 (Top)$159,155

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($108,070 effective) pays 7.97% more than Plainfield ($100,094 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $124,497
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $108,070
Plainfield
Nominal: $115,308
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $100,094

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Plainfield if…

  • 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 Newark grew 4.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Plainfield over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+4.1%

$113,871 (2024) → $118,535 (2025)

Plainfield, NJ

+1.6%

$108,084 (2024) → $109,786 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Newark has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $124,497/year, compared to Plainfield at $115,308/year — a difference of $9,189 (7.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Plainfield?

Newark magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $59.86/hr while Plainfield hygienists earn $55.43/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Plainfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $108,070, Plainfield = $100,094), job availability (61 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $81,519 in Newark and $80,045 in Plainfield. The Newark 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