Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $56.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $56.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,583 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,956 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabeth, New Jersey, magnetic resonance imaging technologists command a robust hourly median rate of $56.05, which notably surpasses the national median of $48.21. This competitive pay reflects the increasing demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For part-time workers who might opt for a schedule of three days a week, this rate can translate into a substantial income, while per-diem professionals can expect similar, if slightly higher, compensation levels. The range of hourly pay spans from $41.75 at the entry-level to approximately $77.88 for highly experienced technologists in Elizabeth, supporting a diverse workforce in an essential healthcare field.
About the Elizabeth 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) | $41.75 | $334.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.45 | $387.60 |
| Median (P50) | $56.05 | $448.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.14 | $513.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.88 | $623.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $56.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.05/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $116,593 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,265. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,242.18 | $9,716 | $116,593 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,345.31 | $5,830 | $69,956 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $896.87 | $3,886 | $46,637 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Elizabeth) | $56.05 |
| 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 Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $116,583 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $115,543.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.05/hr = $69,956/year (purchasing power: $60,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,593/year (purchasing power: $101,210).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Elizabeth grew 30.1% from $41.03/hr (2019) to $53.37/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.87/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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
Examining the earning potential of part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists reveals that those working three days a week could make around $70,000 annually, substantially less than their full-time counterparts. For per-diem roles, professionals often invoice anywhere from $55 to $85 per hour, depending on the complexity of the imaging required; for specialized cardiac MRI, this can soar to $75-$110 per hour, with travel contracts yielding up to $3,400 weekly. The employer type significantly influences hourly pay, with hospital imaging departments generally providing more stable benefits compared to freestanding outpatient centers or travel agencies. While some professionals may accept positions offering lower pay in exchange for health insurance and job security, others may prioritize the higher earnings available in per-diem roles. For those navigating hourly negotiations in Elizabeth, being well-informed about local market rates and benefits packages can provide leverage in discussions with employers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their expertise in this demanding specialty field.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Elizabeth?
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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 Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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