Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Princeton, NJ: $52.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Princeton, NJ runs $52.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,743 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Princeton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,840 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Princeton, New Jersey, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist commands a median hourly pay of $52.76, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $48.21. This competitive wage is especially appealing for both part-time and per-diem workers who typically find themselves in a variety of environments, including hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile MRI trailers, and even specialized facilities for orthopedic or breast imaging. The hourly range for MRI technologists in Princeton stretches from $39.00 for those just starting out to $66.59 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the critical need for skilled technologists in this specialized area of healthcare. These hourly rates are derived from anticipated annual salary data, providing a clear understanding of what one can expect in this field.
About the Princeton 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) | $39.00 | $311.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.89 | $359.12 |
| Median (P50) | $52.76 | $422.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.14 | $457.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.59 | $532.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Princeton
Based on $52.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.76/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Princeton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $109,734 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,308. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Princeton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Princeton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,110.26 | $9,144 | $109,734 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,266.16 | $5,487 | $65,840 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $844.11 | $3,658 | $43,893 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Princeton) | $52.76 |
| 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 Princeton, NJ earn a median of $109,743 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.43% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 5.00% below the New Jersey state average of $115,519.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.76/hr = $65,840/year (purchasing power: $57,153).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,734/year (purchasing power: $95,255).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Princeton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Princeton grew 30.1% from $38.62/hr (2019) to $50.23/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.41/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 Princeton 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 Princeton
For those seeking flexibility in their work schedules, part-time positions — typically requiring 24 hours a week — offer a substantial annual income compared to full-time roles, given the attractive rates. Per-diem and agency-based MRI techs commonly bill between $55-$85 per hour, with specific cardiac MRI positions commanding even higher rates, such as $75-$110 per hour. Additionally, travel MRI contracts present lucrative opportunities, often ranging from $2,200 to $3,400 per week, particularly for those specializing in cardiac MRI or other in-demand subspecialties. Hourly rates may vary depending on the type of employer, with hospitals tending to provide more comprehensive benefits despite offering slightly lower pay than outpatient imaging centers or mobile MRI services. It’s a consideration many techs face: a position with robust health insurance but slightly reduced hourly pay versus the opportunity for higher wages with no benefits. For those weighing their options, negotiating hourly rates should take into account both their technical skills and the overall employment conditions in Princeton's healthcare market.
More salary data for Princeton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Princeton in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Princeton?
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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 Princeton. 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 Princeton 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