Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Manchester, NH: $85,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Manchester, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,211 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manchester's local price level (BEA RPP 105.7 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,649 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,775) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Entering the field as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Manchester, New Hampshire, promises a solid career path for new graduates. With a starting salary estimated at $85,211 in 2026, entry-level professionals can expect to earn significantly less than the city’s median annual salary of $110,775; however, the gap narrows rapidly as experience is gained. Over the first few years, starting pay can rise to around $91,586, positioning newcomers well for increased earnings as they build their skills in this growing specialty. Moreover, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.03% in this field, Manchester presents a favorable market for those just beginning their careers, providing ample opportunity to advance quickly in the MRI domain.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manchester
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 Manchester
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Manchester, NH typically start between $85,211 and $91,586 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,262 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,775 — 10.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in New Hampshire of $9,000 represents just 10.56% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($85,211/year) in Manchester. 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 Manchester
- 1Research the Manchester market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $85,211 to $91,586, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manchester, 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 Manchester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manchester'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 Manchester is $38,262 ( 44.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,211, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,473.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,070
2025 BLS Actual
$81,130
2026 Current Est.
$85,211
2019–2027 Growth
+39.7%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,497 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Manchester, NH grew 26.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,070 in 2019 to $81,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,497. New graduates entering the Manchester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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 Manchester
In Manchester, several employers actively seek new graduates in magnetic resonance imaging, and understanding these options can play a pivotal role in career development. Major hospital systems often prefer to hire experienced radiologic technologists but may consider cross-training those who show promise, transforming them into in-house MRI techs. On the other hand, outpatient MRI facilities frequently recruit entry-level techs who are already pre-credentialed, sometimes offering sign-on bonuses to attract talent. To enhance earning potential, obtaining credentials like the ARRT certification in radiography, along with the ARRT(MR) post-primary certification or the ARMRIT credential, can significantly boost starting compensation in New Hampshire. As new entrants navigate their first three years in this high-demand field, pursuing further education in subspecialties like cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI—which are on the rise—can lead to elevated positions and salaries that reflect the specialty's premium nature. Entry-level technologists can realistically expect their salaries to increase steadily, aligning their earnings progressively with the city’s median as they gain expertise and certifications.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Manchester in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Manchester?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Manchester?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Manchester?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in New Hampshire?
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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 Manchester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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