MRI Technologist Pay

Springfield vs Watertown: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Springfield, MA
$111,237
$53.48/hr
Watertown, MA
$107,396
$51.63/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSpringfield, MAWatertown, MA
Median Salary$111,237$107,396
Hourly Rate$53.48$51.63
Entry Level (P10)$86,629$78,970
25th Percentile$104,893$95,217
75th Percentile$134,207$115,849
Top Earner (P90)$164,529$135,321
Total Employed607
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Springfield ($111,237) and Watertown ($107,396) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.SpringfieldWatertownMedian Salary$111,237$107,396Entry Level (P10)$86,629$78,970Top Earner (P90)$164,529$135,321US Median $100,283

Verdict

Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.

The salary gap between Springfield and Watertown is $3,841 (3.58%). Springfield's median is +10.92% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $77,900,Watertown spans $56,351. Springfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Springfield
P10 (Entry)$86,629
P25$104,893
Median$111,237
P75$134,207
P90 (Top)$164,529
Watertown
P10 (Entry)$78,970
P25$95,217
Median$107,396
P75$115,849
P90 (Top)$135,321

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($115,798 effective) pays 16.99% more than Watertown ($98,982 effective).

Springfield
Nominal: $111,237
CoL Index: 96.061
Adjusted: $115,798
Watertown
Nominal: $107,396
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $98,982

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Springfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,237/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($164,529)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,798)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Watertown if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Springfield grew 25.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.4% growth in Watertown over the same period.

Springfield, MA

+25.5%

$84,370 (2019) → $105,910 (2025)

Watertown, MA

+-6.4%

$109,235 (2024) → $102,253 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Springfield or Watertown?

Springfield has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $111,237/year, compared to Watertown at $107,396/year — a difference of $3,841 (3.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Watertown?

Springfield magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $53.48/hr while Watertown hygienists earn $51.63/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Springfield to Watertown as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Springfield and Watertown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Springfield = $115,798, Watertown = $98,982), job availability (60 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Springfield vs Watertown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $86,629 in Springfield and $78,970 in Watertown. The Springfield 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