Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Waterbury, CT: $53.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Waterbury, CT runs $53.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,122 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Waterbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.8, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,679 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Waterbury, Connecticut, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly pay of $53.43, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $48.21. This competitive rate reflects the specialized skills required in a variety of settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI units, and orthopedic on-site facilities. The hourly wage range for MRI technologists in this area spans from $38.68 for entry-level positions to $63.29 for those at the upper end of the pay spectrum, providing opportunities for both full-time and part-time employment. For technologists considering per-diem work, this hourly rate is appealing, as it allows for flexibility and the potential to earn more during high-demand periods or weekend shifts.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.68 | $309.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.61 | $364.92 |
| Median (P50) | $53.43 | $427.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.88 | $463.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.29 | $506.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterbury
Based on $53.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.43/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterbury, CT can expect to earn approximately $111,132 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,115. With a cost-of-living index of 99.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,137.15 | $9,261 | $111,132 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,282.29 | $5,557 | $66,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $854.86 | $3,704 | $44,453 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Waterbury) | $53.43 |
| 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 Waterbury, CT earn a median of $111,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.81% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.70% above the Connecticut state average of $108,200.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.43/hr = $66,679/year (purchasing power: $66,827).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,132/year (purchasing power: $111,379).
CoL index: 99.778 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waterbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waterbury grew 30.1% from $39.11/hr (2019) to $50.87/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.12/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 Waterbury 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 Waterbury
When assessing what a part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week can expect to take home, their earnings could approach $83,786 annually, significantly lower than a full-time schedule, but still attractive considering the ease of maintaining work-life balance. For those who choose per-diem or agency roles, the hourly pay can range from $55 to $85, with specialized cardiac MRI per-diem options commanding up to $110 per hour. Each employer type in Waterbury comes with its distinct pay structures; for instance, hospital departments might offer lower initial rates compared to mobile MRI companies, which often pay a premium. Technologists should weigh the benefits of health insurance offered by full-time positions against the higher pay without benefits available with per-diem jobs. Practical negotiation tips include understanding market rates and emphasizing specialized skills, especially in rapidly growing fields like cardiac MRI, which can lead to more favorable pay outcomes.
More salary data for Waterbury, 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 Waterbury. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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