MRI Technologist Pay

Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Atlantic City, NJ: $85,221 (2026)

Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Atlantic City, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,221 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Atlantic City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.91% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,206 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,471) within a few years of clinical practice.

$85,221
Starting Salary
$40.97/hr
Starting Hourly
$85,221
Entry Level
$105,471
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

In the competitive environment of Atlantic City, new graduates entering the field of magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect to earn a starting salary around $85,221 in 2026. This entry-level pay is significantly below the projected city median of $105,471, illustrating the gap that many entry-level professionals face as they begin their careers. However, for ambitious new grads, the pathway to higher earnings is promising. With a growth trajectory suggesting that those in their first three to five years can see their salaries rise to the first quartile at approximately $94,128, there is room for upward mobility. Given the city's demand for healthcare services and its favorable cost of living index, Atlantic City presents a viable market for new graduates seeking their first job as magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Career Earnings Timeline in Atlantic City

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$85,221/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$94,128/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$105,471/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$109,116/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlantic City

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Atlantic City. The median salary is $105,471, compared to the national median of $100,283.$76.7K$86.8K$96.8K$106.9K$117.0K$85.2K10th Pctl$94.1K25th Pctl$105.5KMedian$109.1K75th Pctl$111.4K90th PctlUS Median$100.3K

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Atlantic City, NJ typically start between $85,221 and $94,128 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,205 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,4715.17% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$10,000
Avg NJ Program Cost
$85,221
Starting Salary
11.73%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average radiologic technology program cost in New Jersey of $10,000 represents just 11.73% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($85,221/year) in Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City

  • 1Research the Atlantic City market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $85,221 to $94,128, 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 NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Atlantic City, 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 Atlantic City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Atlantic City'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 Atlantic City is $26,205 ( 30.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,221, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,426.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$57,720

2025 BLS Actual

$81,140

2026 Current Est.

$85,221

2019–2027 Growth

+55.1%

Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Atlantic City (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 Atlantic City. Baseline $57,720 in 2025, projected to $89,508 by 2027.$51.4K$62.5K$73.6K$84.7K$95.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$57.7K$59.8K$59.6K$66.0K$76.2K$79.3K$81.1K$85.2K$89.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$57,720Actual
2020$59,760Actual
2021$59,640Actual
2022$65,970Actual
2023$76,220Actual
2024$79,300Actual
2025$81,140Actual
2026(current)$85,221Estimated
2027$89,508Projected

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Atlantic City, NJ grew 40.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,720 in 2019 to $81,140 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,508. New graduates entering the Atlantic City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City

In Atlantic City, employers typically recruit entry-level MRI technologists from local hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty imaging centers. While larger hospital systems often prefer experienced radiology techs who can later cross-train into MRI roles, outpatient chains may offer incentives, such as sign-on bonuses, to attract newly credentialed professionals. Holding relevant certifications, such as ARRT registration in radiographic and MRI specialties, can markedly influence starting pay in New Jersey. New graduates should consider paths toward additional credentials, like the ARMRIT certification or even possibly pursuing a role as an MR safety officer to advance their careers. The specialty of MRI remains among the highest-paid areas in radiologic technology, especially as subspecialties like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI grow. Realistically, entry-level salaries can be expected to increase steadily during the first few years, enabling new technologists to establish a rewarding career in a field that values both expertise and specialization.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Atlantic City start at approximately $85,221/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 $40.97/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 Atlantic City?

Most magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Atlantic City progress from the entry-level salary of $85,221 to the area median of $105,471 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $111,426 (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 Atlantic City?

With a starting salary of $85,221/year in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City?

New radiologic technology graduates in Atlantic City typically start near the 10th percentile at $85,221/year, or approximately $40.97/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 New Jersey?

To become a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey

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 Atlantic City. 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

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