Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Bristol, CT: $51.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Bristol, CT runs $51.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,342 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,411 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bristol, Connecticut, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at a competitive $51.61, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $48.21. This elevated pay scale reflects the increasing demand for skilled MRI technologists across various settings, such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI services. Those working part-time, say three days a week, can expect to earn around $3,130 monthly based on a 24-hour work schedule, while per-diem workers typically see rates within a broad range depending on their experience and the specific facility they are contracted to. Entry-level MRI technologists might start at $35.53 hourly, whereas more experienced professionals can earn as much as $70.46 per hour, illustrating the significant pay potential within this specialized field in Bristol.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.53 | $284.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.23 | $361.81 |
| Median (P50) | $51.61 | $412.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.73 | $469.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.46 | $563.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $51.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.61/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, CT can expect to earn approximately $107,352 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,934. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,064.47 | $8,946 | $107,352 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,238.68 | $5,368 | $64,411 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $825.79 | $3,578 | $42,941 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Bristol) | $51.61 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bristol, CT earn a median of $107,342 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.04% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $108,207.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.61/hr = $64,411/year (purchasing power: $59,696).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,352/year (purchasing power: $99,493).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bristol grew 30.1% from $37.78/hr (2019) to $49.14/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.21/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Bristol
When considering the dynamics of part-time and per-diem work, the financial implications can be substantial for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bristol. For a part-time worker touching 24 hours a week, they would realize an annual income nearing $74,000, offering a lucrative option compared to traditional full-time roles. Per-diem opportunities can be especially fruitful, with rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, depending on the facility and complexity of procedures, like cardiac MRI, which can command up to $110 per hour. Wage disparities also emerge across different employer types; MRI techs employed by hospitals tend to enjoy higher benefits, whereas those at freestanding outpatient centers may prioritize higher hourly rates. Negotiating pay in this environment requires a strategic approach, focusing on certifications like ARRT(MR) or specialty training in cardiac MRI, which can significantly influence compensation discussions in this vibrant market of Bristol, CT.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Bristol. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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