Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $49.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Chelmsford, MA runs $49.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,427 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,052 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay stands at $49.72, slightly exceeding the national hourly median of $48.21. This elevated rate indicates a rewarding avenue for both full-time and part-time professionals, particularly those working in various settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI units, and dedicated research laboratories. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $37.37 per hour, while top earners in this field can make as much as $65.61 per hour. This hourly range highlights the potential for growth and specialization within the profession, especially as healthcare continues to evolve and demand for skilled MRI professionals increases. The hourly rates referenced here are based on projected annual salaries and provide a clear snapshot of the earnings landscape for MRI technologists in this region as of 2026.
About the Chelmsford 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) | $37.37 | $298.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.92 | $343.32 |
| Median (P50) | $49.72 | $397.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.43 | $443.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.61 | $524.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $49.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.72/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $103,420 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,665. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,988.85 | $8,618 | $103,420 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,193.31 | $5,171 | $62,052 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $795.54 | $3,447 | $41,368 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Chelmsford) | $49.72 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $103,427 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.14% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $108,756.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.72/hr = $62,052/year (purchasing power: $57,191).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,420/year (purchasing power: $95,318).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chelmsford grew 30.1% from $36.40/hr (2019) to $47.34/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.22/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Exploring part-time earning potential reveals a striking contrast with those who work full-time. A magnetic resonance imaging technologist working three days a week for a total of 24 hours can realistically expect to take home a comprehensive annual income that may still prove competitive in that work structure. Meanwhile, per diem positions often present attractive pay rates, with hourly figures ranging from $55 to $85, and specific niches like cardiac MRI can command even more, at $75 to $110 per hour. Furthermore, travel MRI tech roles have lucrative contracts that can pay between $2,200 and $3,400 per week, a compelling option for those willing to embrace the flexibility of agency work. Hourly rates can differ significantly across types of employers in Chelmsford, including hospital departments, outpatient centers, and mobile services. Some technologists opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay in roles devoid of such support. For those in hourly positions, effective negotiation can be key—understanding employer needs and leveraging one’s own certifications, like those offered by ASRT and ARRT, can provide an advantage in discussions about pay.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chelmsford in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Chelmsford?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Chelmsford paid hourly or salary?
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Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Chelmsford?
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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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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