Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $52.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Lowell, MA runs $52.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,108 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,460 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Lowell, Massachusetts, offers a competitive median hourly rate of $52.45 for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, surpassing the national median of $48.21. This advantageous position allows part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week, to earn a solid hourly income within settings like hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI facilities. Entry-level MRI technologists can expect to start at an hourly rate of $38.76, while more experienced professionals have the potential to earn up to $72.07. The MRI technologist hourly pay in Lowell reflects the demand for specialized skills in an area where advanced MRI technology, including 1.5T and 3T scanners, has become the norm in diagnostic imaging.
About the Lowell 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) | $38.76 | $310.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.95 | $359.62 |
| Median (P50) | $52.45 | $419.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.71 | $477.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.07 | $576.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $52.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.45/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $109,100 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,942. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,098.08 | $9,092 | $109,100 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,258.85 | $5,455 | $65,460 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $839.23 | $3,637 | $43,640 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Lowell) | $52.45 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $109,108 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $108,782.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.45/hr = $65,460/year (purchasing power: $60,332).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,100/year (purchasing power: $100,553).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lowell grew 30.1% from $38.40/hr (2019) to $49.94/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.09/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
For those considering part-time employment, a 24-hour work week could yield an approximate annual income significantly lower than full-time positions, yet it remains an appealing option for individuals seeking flexible schedules. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Lowell typically ranges between $55 and $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists commanding rates as high as $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts can present even higher income opportunities, with weekly earnings of $2,200 to $3,400 becoming attractive for many. Despite variations in hourly pay across different employer types, such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and orthopedic practices, many technologists find themselves weighing the benefits of higher hourly rates against the security of positions that offer health insurance and other perks. Those negotiating their pay should consider local demand and specialization, as well as the advantage of showcasing credentials from recognized professional organizations like the ASRT and ARRT(MR).
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lowell in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lowell?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Lowell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Lowell?
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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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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