MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Princeton, NJ
$109,743
$52.76/hr
Trenton, NJ
$107,603
$51.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPrinceton, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$109,743$107,603
Hourly Rate$52.76$51.73
Entry Level (P10)$81,116$87,763
25th Percentile$93,361$96,785
75th Percentile$118,847$110,618
Top Earner (P90)$138,498$120,995
Total Employed660
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Princeton ($109,743) and Trenton ($107,603) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.PrincetonTrentonMedian Salary$109,743$107,603Entry Level (P10)$81,116$87,763Top Earner (P90)$138,498$120,995US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Princeton and Trenton is $2,140 (1.99%). Princeton's median is +9.43% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Princeton spans $57,382,Trenton spans $33,232. Princeton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Princeton
P10 (Entry)$81,116
P25$93,361
Median$109,743
P75$118,847
P90 (Top)$138,498
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 9.47% more than Princeton ($95,263 effective).

Princeton
Nominal: $109,743
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $95,263
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 Princeton if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,743/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($138,498)
  • 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 Princeton grew -2.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Princeton, NJ

+-2.5%

$107,128 (2024) → $104,487 (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: Princeton or Trenton?

Princeton has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $109,743/year, compared to Trenton at $107,603/year — a difference of $2,140 (1.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Princeton and Trenton?

Princeton magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $52.76/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $51.73/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Princeton and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Princeton = $95,263, Trenton = $104,287), job availability (6 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $81,116 in Princeton 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