Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $55.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Paterson, NJ runs $55.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,261 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paterson, New Jersey, the median hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is projected to reach $55.50 in 2026, notably exceeding the national median of $48.21. This higher hourly rate reflects the demand and specialty nature of the profession within local healthcare settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient centers, and mobile MRI services. For part-time workers who typically work three days a week, this translates to a lucrative earning potential, with entry-level technologists earning around $40.71 per hour while seasoned professionals within the field can make up to $76.01 hourly. Given the continuous growth and specialization in the MRI domain, especially with technologies like 3T scanners becoming increasingly prevalent, the opportunities for part-time and per-diem work are promising for those in the Paterson area.
About the Paterson 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) | $40.71 | $325.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.34 | $378.70 |
| Median (P50) | $55.50 | $443.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.09 | $512.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.01 | $608.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $55.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.50/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $115,436 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,597. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,219.91 | $9,620 | $115,436 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,331.95 | $5,772 | $69,261 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $887.97 | $3,848 | $46,174 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Paterson) | $55.50 |
| 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 Paterson, NJ earn a median of $115,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $115,559.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.50/hr = $69,261/year (purchasing power: $60,123).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,436/year (purchasing power: $100,204).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Paterson grew 30.1% from $40.63/hr (2019) to $52.84/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.29/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 Paterson 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 Paterson
Regarding part-time potential, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working 24 hours a week in Paterson could earn about $43,584 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart but still a competitive figure in the healthcare market, particularly for those who prefer flexibility. Per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Paterson often ranges from $55 to $85 per hour, with niche specialties such as cardiac MRI commanding $75 to $110 per hour. Travel contracts can present even higher earning opportunities, typically between $2,200 and $3,400 weekly. However, many technologists must weigh the allure of higher hourly rates against the security provided by benefits that full-time positions often include. Negotiating for the best possible terms becomes crucial, especially because some employers might offer lower hourly rates. In Paterson, understanding the differences in pay based on employer type—ranging from hospitals to outpatient centers—can help professionals tailor their career paths and make informed decisions about job options.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Paterson in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Paterson?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Paterson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Paterson?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Paterson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Paterson. 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 Paterson 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