Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Watertown, MA: $51.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Watertown, MA runs $51.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,396 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,438 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, Massachusetts, the projected hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists stands at $51.63, which is above the national median of $48.21, offering a competitive edge for professionals in the area. This rate translates into substantial financial benefits for part-time MRI technologists working three days a week, particularly in varied settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and research labs. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $37.97 per hour, while skilled practitioners may reach up to $65.06 per hour. Such hourly earnings reflect the evolving landscape of medical imaging, where technologists are increasingly sought after, particularly with the rise of advanced 3T and even 7T scanners in academic and research institutions.
About the Watertown 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) | $37.97 | $303.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.78 | $366.26 |
| Median (P50) | $51.63 | $413.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.70 | $445.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.06 | $520.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $51.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.63/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, MA can expect to earn approximately $107,396 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,959. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,065.31 | $8,950 | $107,396 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,239.19 | $5,370 | $64,438 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $826.12 | $3,580 | $42,958 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Watertown) | $51.63 |
| 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 Watertown, MA earn a median of $107,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.09% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $108,811.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.63/hr = $64,438/year (purchasing power: $59,390).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,396/year (purchasing power: $98,983).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Watertown grew 30.1% from $37.80/hr (2019) to $49.16/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.23/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Consider a part-time MRI technologist working 24 hours a week in Watertown; their annual income would be approximately $64,000, a figure that showcases the solid earning potential even without full-time hours. Per diem opportunities are particularly lucrative; many magnetic resonance imaging technologists find work through agencies billing between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI technologists commanding upwards of $75 to $110 per hour. Variability in hourly rates also exists across different employment types in the area. For instance, hospital departments might offer more stable positions but with potentially lower rates compared to freelance or per diem settings. Benefits such as health insurance can sway decisions, as some technologists opt for lower hourly pay at hospitals in exchange for coverage, while others pursue better pay without such benefits. For those negotiating their rates, understanding local dynamics and employer profiles is crucial, as is being aware of the growing demand in specialty areas like cardiac MRI, which can further elevate hourly pay.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Watertown?
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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