Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Berkeley, NJ: $54.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Berkeley, NJ runs $54.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,176 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Berkeley, New Jersey, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $54.42 by 2026, placing it well above the national average of $48.21. This competitive hourly rate provides significant earning potential for both full-time and part-time professionals working in diverse settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For part-time workers who typically schedule around three days per week, this translates to approximately $4,355 monthly for those working 24 hours, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. The hourly pay range for MRI technologists in this area spans from $39.10 for entry-level positions to $73.04 for highly experienced technologists, indicating opportunities for substantial salary growth based on skill level and experience.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.10 | $312.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.64 | $365.08 |
| Median (P50) | $54.42 | $435.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.21 | $465.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.04 | $584.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $54.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.42/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, NJ can expect to earn approximately $113,185 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,299. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,176.64 | $9,432 | $113,185 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,305.99 | $5,659 | $67,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $870.66 | $3,773 | $45,274 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Berkeley) | $54.42 |
| 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 Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $113,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $115,486.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.42/hr = $67,911/year (purchasing power: $58,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,185/year (purchasing power: $98,251).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Berkeley grew 30.1% from $39.83/hr (2019) to $51.81/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.15/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Considering part-time employment options, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours per week in Berkeley can expect to earn around $52,260 annually, which still maintains a decent income compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the area typically command rates ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI techs often earning between $75 and $110 per hour. For those engaging with travel contracts, earnings can escalate to $2,200-$3,400 per week, particularly for cardiac specialties, further emphasizing the lucrative nature of this field. Employers can vary significantly in pay rates, with hospitals generally offering stability and benefits compared to outpatient centers and mobile services that may provide higher hourly rates but less job security. Technologists must carefully weigh the benefits of health insurance against the higher pay often found in contract positions when considering their options, particularly in a market like Berkeley, where negotiation tactics can effectively influence hourly compensation.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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