Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Burlington, VT: $63,622 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,622 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,471 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,951) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the field of magnetic resonance imaging in Burlington, Vermont, the starting pay presents a solid opportunity. The entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Burlington for 2026 is projected at around $63,622, a figure that sits below the city's overall median salary of $82,951. However, this entry-level position offers significant room for growth, progressing to the 25th percentile at $72,533, and potentially reaching the median salary within the first three to five years. Given these figures, Burlington is currently a promising market for new grads eager to launch their careers in MRI technology, especially considering the demand for skilled professionals in this specialty.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Burlington, VT typically start between $63,622 and $72,533 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,398 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,951 — 17.28% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Vermont of $9,000 represents just 14.15% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($63,622/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $63,622 to $72,533, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $44,398 ( 69.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,622, experienced hygienists can earn up to $108,020.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,976
2025 BLS Actual
$60,575
2026 Current Est.
$63,622
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,976 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,497 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,975 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,224 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,051 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,575 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,622 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,822 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, VT grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,976 in 2019 to $60,575 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,822. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
In Burlington, major employers and healthcare systems often prefer to hire experienced radiologic technologists, then provide cross-training in MRI to develop their skills internally. Sign-on bonuses have become common among outpatient MRI chains that recruit pre-credentialed technologists directly. To maximize their entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Vermont, new graduates should pursue credentials such as ARRT registration in radiography and ARRT(MR), or consider the ARMRIT certification pathway. Additionally, obtaining specialized certifications like the MR safety officer (MRSO) can lead to senior roles and higher earnings. The market is evolving, with advancements like widespread adoption of 3T scanners and the rising significance of subspecialties like cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI. New entrants can realistically expect their salaries to increase significantly within their first three years as they gain experience and credentials.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Burlington?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Burlington?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Vermont?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Vermont
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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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