Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Waltham, MA: $50.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Waltham, MA runs $50.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,879 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Waltham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,533 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is $50.91, which notably exceeds the national median of $48.21. This competitive pay presents significant earning opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For technologists working three days a week, the flexibility can provide a sustainable income while catering to personal commitments. Those in the field can expect an hourly range starting at $37.56 for entry-level positions and going up to $67.68 for highly experienced individuals. These figures are estimates drawn from projected annual salaries and reflect a positive trend in compensation for MRI professionals in the Waltham area.
About the Waltham 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) | $37.56 | $300.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.45 | $347.61 |
| Median (P50) | $50.91 | $407.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.81 | $462.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.68 | $541.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waltham
Based on $50.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.91/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waltham, MA can expect to earn approximately $105,889 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,090. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waltham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waltham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,036.32 | $8,824 | $105,889 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,221.79 | $5,294 | $63,533 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $814.53 | $3,530 | $42,355 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Waltham) | $50.91 |
| 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 Waltham, MA earn a median of $105,879 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.58% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $108,817.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.91/hr = $63,533/year (purchasing power: $58,556).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,889/year (purchasing power: $97,593).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waltham grew 30.1% from $37.27/hr (2019) to $48.47/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.47/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 Waltham 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 Waltham
When examining the earnings potential for part-time technologists, those working 24 hours a week would earn significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Waltham can range from $55 to $85 per hour, with cardiac MRI specialists earning between $75 and $110 per hour for their expertise. Additionally, traveling MRI technologists in Waltham can command contracts that offer weekly pay between $2,200 and $3,400, making this route an appealing option for those willing to undertake short-term assignments. The diversity of employer types—from hospitals to mobile MRI providers—also impacts hourly wages; specific organizations may offer different compensation structures based on their operational needs. While some technologists may accept lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those entering negotiations, understanding the market dynamics and highlighting specialized certifications like MRSO or cardiac MRI expertise can prove beneficial.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waltham in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Waltham?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Waltham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Waltham?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Waltham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Waltham. 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 Waltham 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