Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Salem, MA: $50.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Salem, MA runs $50.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,904 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay in Salem, Massachusetts is projected to reach $50.40, surpassing the national hourly median of $48.21 by a notable margin. This competitive pay rate offers significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, especially in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI units. For those working three days a week, this translates to a stable income while having the flexibility that many professionals seek. Entry-level technologists can expect to start around $39.16 per hour, while top earners in the discipline can command up to $67.68 per hour, pointing to a lucrative pathway as they gain experience and further specialize in subspecialties like cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI.
About the Salem 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) | $39.16 | $313.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.33 | $354.67 |
| Median (P50) | $50.40 | $403.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.05 | $432.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.68 | $541.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $50.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.40/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, MA can expect to earn approximately $104,840 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,485. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,016.16 | $8,737 | $104,840 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,209.69 | $5,242 | $62,904 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $806.46 | $3,495 | $41,936 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Salem) | $50.40 |
| 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 Salem, MA earn a median of $104,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $108,753.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.40/hr = $62,904/year (purchasing power: $57,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,840/year (purchasing power: $96,627).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Salem grew 30.1% from $36.90/hr (2019) to $47.99/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.94/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 Salem 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 Salem
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists considering part-time positions, working a 24-hour week could yield an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, but still provides a dependable income source. Per-diem employment options enhance earning potential, with rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, attracting professionals to agencies that often offer premium pay for specialized services, especially in cardiac imaging. In Salem, shifts at hospitals could pay differently compared to outpatient or mobile facilities, reflecting the diverse employer landscape. While some may accept lower hourly rates for positions that include healthcare benefits, others pursue higher hourly compensation that lacks paid time off. Technologists are encouraged to negotiate based on their skills and the demand for MRI capabilities in the region, understanding that savvy contract negotiation can help maximize their overall compensation package without sacrificing job satisfaction.
More salary data for Salem, 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 Salem. 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 Salem 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