Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Plainfield, NJ: $55.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Plainfield, NJ runs $55.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,308 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,183 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Plainfield, New Jersey, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist earns a median hourly rate of $55.43, which is significantly higher than the national median of $48.21. This difference reflects the heightened demand for skilled MRI technologists in various medical settings, including hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a substantial earnings potential, especially when considering flexible scheduling. Entry-level technologists can expect around $38.48 per hour, while experienced professionals or those in specialized roles may earn upwards of $76.51 per hour. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, showcasing the attractive compensation landscape for MRI technologists in Plainfield.
About the Plainfield 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) | $38.48 | $307.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.67 | $365.34 |
| Median (P50) | $55.43 | $443.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.10 | $480.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.51 | $612.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $55.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.43/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $115,304 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,522. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,217.39 | $9,609 | $115,304 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,330.44 | $5,765 | $69,183 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $886.96 | $3,843 | $46,122 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Plainfield) | $55.43 |
| 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 Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $115,308 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $115,539.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.43/hr = $69,183/year (purchasing power: $60,054).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,304/year (purchasing power: $100,091).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Plainfield grew 30.1% from $40.58/hr (2019) to $52.78/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.22/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Considering part-time work, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist who commits to 24 hours per week could see an annual income of approximately $43,620 based on the median hourly pay, which is competitive for part-time positions. For per-diem or contract technologists, current billing rates typically range from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI positions sometimes approaching $110. As mentioned, hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer, such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, or mobile MRI services. Some technologists may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits and job stability, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits to maximize their take-home income. Negotiating hourly rates effectively requires awareness of local market trends and understanding the value of expertise in specialized areas like cardiac MRI or prostate mpMRI, which is crucial for advancing one’s career in this evolving field.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Plainfield?
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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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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