Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Needham, MA: $51.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Needham, MA runs $51.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Needham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,149 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Needham, Massachusetts, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to be $51.40 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This competitive rate allows for robust earning potential, especially for part-time technologists working three days a week, who could average around $39,494 annually based on a standard 24-hour work week. The hourly wages exhibit a wide range, from $37.35 for entry-level positions to $65.96 for seasoned professionals in high-demand settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and specialized research laboratories. This breadth of pay illustrates the opportunities available for both full-time and per-diem MRI technologists in Needham and highlights how pay rates are estimated based on the projected annual salary figures.
About the Needham 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) | $37.35 | $298.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.29 | $346.35 |
| Median (P50) | $51.40 | $411.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.29 | $450.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.96 | $527.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Needham
Based on $51.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.40/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Needham, MA can expect to earn approximately $106,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,682. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Needham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Needham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,056.07 | $8,910 | $106,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,233.64 | $5,346 | $64,149 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $822.43 | $3,564 | $42,766 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Needham) | $51.40 |
| 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 Needham, MA earn a median of $106,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $108,755.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.40/hr = $64,149/year (purchasing power: $59,124).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,915/year (purchasing power: $98,540).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Needham grew 30.1% from $37.63/hr (2019) to $48.94/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.99/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 Needham 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 Needham
When considering the part-time earning potential for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist, those working 24 hours a week may expect to take home around $39,494 annually, a considerable contrast to full-time earnings that could dramatically increase through overtime or additional shifts. Per diem roles, particularly in Needham, often offer higher rates, with MRI techs typically billing $55 to $85 per hour, and even higher for specialties like cardiac MRI, where rates can range from $75 to $110 per hour. Travel MRI contracts further enhance earnings, with weekly pay often ranging from $2,200 to $3,400. Across various employment sectors, hourly rates can vary; outpatient facilities and mobile MRI companies might offer different scales than hospital jobs. Moreover, some technologists may opt for lower hourly pay due to the additional benefits healthcare employment provides, while those seeking higher cash rates must negotiate accordingly. Practical negotiation strategies could include leveraging specialty certifications, such as MRSO or ARMRIT, to discuss wages with potential employers in the dynamic field of magnetic resonance imaging in Needham.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
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 Needham. 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 Needham 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