Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $61.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Cambridge, MA runs $61.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,035 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,222 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the hourly rate for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected at $61.07 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This attractive hourly pay translates well for professionals seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem work across various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and research labs. For those working a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, this generous rate allows for comfortable earnings, while the hourly pay range spans from $41.78 for entry-level positions to an impressive $81.99 for seasoned technologists. As MRI technology continues to advance, particularly with the rise of 3T and 7T scanners, the demand for skilled professionals remains high, making this field a lucrative option for job seekers in Cambridge.
About the Cambridge 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) | $41.78 | $334.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.79 | $398.36 |
| Median (P50) | $61.07 | $488.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.20 | $545.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.99 | $655.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $61.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.07/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $127,036 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,290. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,443.00 | $10,586 | $127,036 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,465.80 | $6,352 | $76,222 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $977.20 | $4,235 | $50,814 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Cambridge) | $61.07 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $127,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.68% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 16.80% above the Massachusetts state average of $108,763.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.07/hr = $76,222/year (purchasing power: $70,250).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,036/year (purchasing power: $117,084).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cambridge grew 30.1% from $44.71/hr (2019) to $58.15/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.15/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Focusing on the part-time potential, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week would bring in approximately $76,552 annually, a figure that highlights the significant earnings available even with reduced hours compared to full-time positions. Per-diem roles often come with their own financial variations; technicians typically bill between $55 and $85 per hour, while specialized cardiac MRI per-diem positions can rise as high as $110 per hour. Additionally, travel MRI tech contracts in the region offer weekly pay ranging from $2,200 to $3,400, with cardiac specialty earning premiums. In addition to hourly wage variations across different employer types—ranging from hospital settings to outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI companies—technologists must consider benefits trade-offs. Accepting a lower hourly rate may come with comprehensive health benefits, while opting for higher pay could mean sacrificing those advantages. Negotiating hourly rates in Cambridge requires understanding the regional demand for MRI technologists and the unique factors contributing to the cost of living, enabling professionals to secure pay that reflects their expertise and local market conditions.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cambridge 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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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