MRI Technologist Pay

Trenton vs Union City: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Trenton, NJ
$107,603
$51.73/hr
Union City, NJ
$113,935
$54.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTrenton, NJUnion City, NJ
Median Salary$107,603$113,935
Hourly Rate$51.73$54.77
Entry Level (P10)$87,763$86,486
25th Percentile$96,785$99,061
75th Percentile$110,618$128,705
Top Earner (P90)$120,995$154,526
Total Employed6017
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Trenton ($107,603) and Union City ($113,935) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.TrentonUnion CityMedian Salary$107,603$113,935Entry Level (P10)$87,763$86,486Top Earner (P90)$120,995$154,526US Median $100,283

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Trenton and Union City is $6,332 (5.88%). Union City's median is +13.61% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $33,232,Union City spans $68,040. Union City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Trenton
P10 (Entry)$87,763
P25$96,785
Median$107,603
P75$110,618
P90 (Top)$120,995
Union City
P10 (Entry)$86,486
P25$99,061
Median$113,935
P75$128,705
P90 (Top)$154,526

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($104,287 effective) pays 5.44% more than Union City ($98,902 effective).

Trenton
Nominal: $107,603
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $104,287
Union City
Nominal: $113,935
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $98,902

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,287)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Union City if…

  • Higher median salary ($113,935/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($154,526)
  • 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 Trenton grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Union City over the same period.

Trenton, NJ

+31.7%

$77,800 (2019) → $102,450 (2025)

Union City, NJ

+1.6%

$106,798 (2024) → $108,479 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Trenton or Union City?

Union City has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $113,935/year, compared to Trenton at $107,603/year — a difference of $6,332 (5.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Union City?

Trenton magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $51.73/hr while Union City hygienists earn $54.77/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Trenton and Union City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Trenton = $104,287, Union City = $98,902), job availability (60 vs 17 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $87,763 in Trenton and $86,486 in Union City. 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