MRI Technologist Pay

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

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

Trenton, NJ
$107,603
$51.73/hr
Union, NJ
$116,625
$56.07/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTrenton, NJUnion, NJ
Median Salary$107,603$116,625
Hourly Rate$51.73$56.07
Entry Level (P10)$87,763$83,109
25th Percentile$96,785$97,695
75th Percentile$110,618$128,038
Top Earner (P90)$120,995$151,997
Total Employed6015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Trenton ($107,603) and Union ($116,625) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.TrentonUnionMedian Salary$107,603$116,625Entry Level (P10)$87,763$83,109Top Earner (P90)$120,995$151,997US Median $100,283

Verdict

Union, 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 is $9,022 (8.38%). Union's median is +16.30% 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 spans $68,888. Union 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
P10 (Entry)$83,109
P25$97,695
Median$116,625
P75$128,038
P90 (Top)$151,997

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($104,287 effective) pays 3.01% more than Union ($101,237 effective).

Trenton
Nominal: $107,603
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $104,287
Union
Nominal: $116,625
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $101,237

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 if…

  • Higher median salary ($116,625/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($151,997)
  • 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 over the same period.

Trenton, NJ

+31.7%

$77,800 (2019) → $102,450 (2025)

Union, NJ

+1.6%

$109,319 (2024) → $111,040 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Union has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $116,625/year, compared to Trenton at $107,603/year — a difference of $9,022 (8.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Union?

Trenton magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $51.73/hr while Union hygienists earn $56.07/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Trenton and Union. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Trenton = $104,287, Union = $101,237), job availability (60 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $87,763 in Trenton and $83,109 in Union. 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