Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Salem, NH: $75,106 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Salem, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,106 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salem's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,996 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,006) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates beginning their careers as magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Salem, NH can expect entry-level salaries around $75,106. This starting pay indicates a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $105,006, which illustrates the potential for growth in the field over time. Early-career professionals can see their earnings increase progressively, with expectations to reach about $87,581 in the first few years. This growth trajectory suggests that Salem is an encouraging market for recent MRI technologist graduates, as the demand for imaging specialists continues to rise, propelled by advancements in technology and an expanding healthcare sector.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salem
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 Salem
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Salem, NH typically start between $75,106 and $87,581 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,310 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,006 — 4.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in New Hampshire of $9,000 represents just 11.98% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($75,106/year) in Salem. 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 Salem
- 1Research the Salem market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $75,106 to $87,581, 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 Salem, 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 Salem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salem'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 Salem is $58,310 ( 77.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,106, experienced hygienists can earn up to $133,416.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,095
2025 BLS Actual
$71,509
2026 Current Est.
$75,106
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,095 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,357 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,831 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,807 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,293 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,509 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,106 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,884 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Salem, NH grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,095 in 2019 to $71,509 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,884. New graduates entering the Salem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
When seeking employment in Salem as a new magnetic resonance imaging technologist, candidates may find opportunities with local hospital systems that often prefer experienced radiologic technologists but may provide training on-site for MRI competencies. Outpatient MRI facilities might offer positions to newly credentialed techs, sometimes with enticing sign-on bonuses. To enhance starting pay, obtaining national certifications such as ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT, along with state licensure where applicable, can prove beneficial. As the MRI field evolves—especially with increasing demand for cardiac MRI and mpMRI—new techs should focus on continuous education and credentialing that align with specialty needs. Realistic growth expectations in the first few years could see new salaries increase significantly as professionals acquire advanced skills and certifications, ultimately competing within one of the highest-paying sectors in radiologic technology.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Salem in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Salem?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Salem?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Salem?
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 Salem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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