Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Arlington, MA: $51.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Arlington, MA runs $51.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,185 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,307 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington, Massachusetts, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median hourly rate of $51.53, which is notably higher than the national median of $48.21. This competitive rate provides ample opportunities for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions in diverse settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI services. For technologists working three days a week, this translates to approximately $4,124 per month based on a standard 24-hour work schedule, allowing for considerable flexibility. The hourly pay spans from $37.73 for entry-level positions to $64.73 for seasoned professionals at the 90th percentile. This range illustrates the potential for growth and the varying levels of expertise within the profession, with salaries estimated from annual figures to highlight the attractiveness of MRI career pathways in Arlington, MA.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.73 | $301.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.57 | $348.53 |
| Median (P50) | $51.53 | $412.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.58 | $452.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.73 | $517.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $51.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.53/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, MA can expect to earn approximately $107,178 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,833. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,061.11 | $8,931 | $107,178 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,236.67 | $5,359 | $64,307 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $824.44 | $3,573 | $42,871 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Arlington) | $51.53 |
| 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 Arlington, MA earn a median of $107,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.88% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $108,817.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.53/hr = $64,307/year (purchasing power: $59,269).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,178/year (purchasing power: $98,781).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Arlington grew 30.1% from $37.72/hr (2019) to $49.06/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.12/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Examining earning potential for part-time technologists working 24 hours a week reveals a substantial yearly income of roughly $49,488. When compared to full-time roles, this sacrifice in hours may still present financial viability for many. In the realm of per-diem opportunities, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect rates between $55-$85 per hour for standard roles and even higher, at $75-$110, for cardiac MRI cases. Travel contracts offer even more lucrative pay, with weekly earnings ranging from $2,200 to $3,400, especially for cardiac specialty work. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type; departments in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, mobile units, and orthopedic practices each present unique compensation structures. Many professionals must weigh the trade-offs between the lucrative hourly rates offered by per-diem work and the stability of benefits from full-time employment. Negotiating for favorable pay, particularly in a dynamic market like Arlington, requires an understanding of local standards and industry trends that can enhance one's overall earning potential.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Arlington in 2026?
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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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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