MRI Technologist Pay

Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Braintree, MA: $81,530 (2026)

Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Braintree, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,530 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Braintree's local price level (BEA RPP 108.59% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,143 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,015) within a few years of clinical practice.

$81,530
Starting Salary
$39.20/hr
Starting Hourly
$81,530
Entry Level
$105,015
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Entry Level Salary in Braintree, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Braintree, MA magnetic resonance imaging technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those entering the field of magnetic resonance imaging in Braintree, Massachusetts, the starting pay for an entry-level position is projected to be around $81,530 in 2026. This figure sits below the city’s median annual salary of $105,015, indicating that new graduates may initially earn less as they start their careers. However, as they gain experience, there is potential for salary growth towards the P25 mark of $92,553 within the first few years. The Braintree area appears to be a promising market for new graduates, particularly due to the increasing demand for MRI technologists, which is underscored by a robust growth rate of 5.03% annually over the next five years.

About the Braintree Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Braintree

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$81,530/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$92,553/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$105,015/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$116,686/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Braintree

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Braintree. The median salary is $105,015, compared to the national median of $100,283.$73.4K$91.2K$109.1K$126.9K$144.8K$81.5K10th Pctl$92.6K25th Pctl$105.0KMedian$116.7K75th Pctl$137.9K90th PctlUS Median$100.3K

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Braintree, MA typically start between $81,530 and $92,553 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,381 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,0154.72% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in the Braintree metro area.

Return on Investment

$12,000
Avg MA Program Cost
$81,530
Starting Salary
14.72%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in Massachusetts of $12,000 represents just 14.72% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($81,530/year) in Braintree. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates for JRCERT-accredited post-primary MRI certificate programs. Most MRI technologists first complete a radiography program, then add an MRI certificate. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution.

MRI Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Braintree

  • 1Research the Braintree market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $81,530 to $92,553, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Braintree, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Braintree for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Braintree's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Compensation Range

The magnetic resonance imaging technologist wage spread in Braintree is $56,381 ( 69.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,530, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,911.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$57,636

2025 BLS Actual

$77,625

2026 Current Est.

$81,530

2019–2027 Growth

+48.6%

Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Braintree (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Braintree. Baseline $57,636 in 2025, projected to $85,630 by 2027.$52.0K$61.8K$71.6K$81.4K$91.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$57.6K$59.6K$66.6K$68.2K$69.3K$84.5K$77.6K$81.5K$85.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$57,636Actual
2020$59,585Actual
2021$66,605Actual
2022$68,205Actual
2023$69,264Actual
2024$84,532Actual
2025$77,625Actual
2026(current)$81,530Estimated
2027$85,630Projected

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Braintree, MA grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,636 in 2019 to $77,625 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,630. New graduates entering the Braintree job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your radiologic technology Career in Braintree

In Braintree, local employers such as hospital systems tend to prefer hiring experienced radiologic technologists and often provide cross-training into MRI technology. For entry-level positions, outpatient MRI facilities occasionally offer attractive incentives such as sign-on bonuses to new grad magnetic resonance imaging technologists. Additionally, pursuing ARRT registration in radiography (R) and obtaining the ARRT(MR) post-primary certification significantly enhance starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in MA. The career trajectory for MRI techs in their first three years shows strong potential, focusing on specialized areas like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, which are rapidly growing subspecialties in the sector. With advanced 3T scanners becoming standard in academic centers and 7T premium research sites, early-career professionals can expect competitive pay and numerous opportunities to advance their skill set and income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Braintree in 2026?

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Braintree start at approximately $81,530/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.03% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $39.20/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Braintree?

Most magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Braintree progress from the entry-level salary of $81,530 to the area median of $105,015 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $137,911 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is radiologic technology school worth it in Braintree?

With a starting salary of $81,530/year in Braintree and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new magnetic resonance imaging technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Braintree?

New radiologic technology graduates in Braintree typically start near the 10th percentile at $81,530/year, or approximately $39.20/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Massachusetts?

To become a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Massachusetts, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field is typically required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Massachusetts, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some magnetic resonance imaging technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

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

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new radiologic technology graduates. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Braintree. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Braintree is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).

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

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