Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Somerville, MA: $79,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Somerville, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,781 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Somerville's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,531 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,291) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Somerville, Massachusetts can expect starting salaries around $79,781. This amount, while respectable, represents a significant gap compared to the overall median salary of $110,291 for MRI technologists in the city. Early-career professionals can anticipate steady salary growth as they acquire experience and additional credentials, which can elevate their pay to approximately $92,939 within a few years. Given the competitive nature of the local healthcare market and the increasing demand for MRI services, Somerville presents a welcoming environment for recent graduates, allowing them to build a rewarding career while enjoying a decent initial compensation package.
About the Somerville Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Somerville
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 Somerville
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Somerville, MA typically start between $79,781 and $92,939 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,879 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,291 — 9.98% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Massachusetts of $12,000 represents just 15.04% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($79,781/year) in Somerville. 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 Somerville
- 1Research the Somerville market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $79,781 to $92,939, 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 Somerville, 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 Somerville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Somerville'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 Somerville is $64,879 ( 81.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,781, experienced hygienists can earn up to $144,660.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,399
2025 BLS Actual
$75,960
2026 Current Est.
$79,781
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,399 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,307 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,176 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,742 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,779 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,785 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,794 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Somerville, MA grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,399 in 2019 to $75,960 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,794. New graduates entering the Somerville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Somerville 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 Somerville
In the Somerville job market, employers such as local hospital systems frequently seek to hire and train new grads through in-house programs, which allows new MRI technologists to gain valuable experience while pursuing their ARRT certification in magnetic resonance (MR). Outpatient MRI facilities are also in demand; they often look for pre-credentialed techs willing to accept signing bonuses as an incentive to enhance their workforce. Achieving ARRT registration in radiography (R) along with post-primary certification in MR can significantly boost earning potential. Within the first three years, new professionals can expect steady increases in salary reflecting their specialization in cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI, both of which are among the fastest-growing subspecialties. Additionally, being involved with the Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists (SMRT) can further enhance a candidate’s prospects and position them favorably in this lucrative sector of healthcare.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Somerville in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Somerville?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Somerville?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Somerville?
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 Somerville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Somerville 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