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 108.5 — 9% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Braintree
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 $105,015 — 4.72% above the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,636 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,585 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,264 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,532 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,625 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,530 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,630 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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.
More salary data for Braintree, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Braintree in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Braintree?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Braintree?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Braintree?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Massachusetts?
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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.
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).
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