Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $51.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Trenton, NJ runs $51.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,603 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,556 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Trenton, NJ, earn a median hourly pay of $51.73, reflecting a competitive rate that surpasses the national median of $48.21. This wage provides significant earning potential for those pursuing part-time roles, such as working three days a week, which can translate to a strong weekly income. With the hourly range starting at $42.19 and capping at $58.18, MRI technologists in clinical settings, including hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers, can find work that fits their lifestyle, whether they are seeking full-time employment or per-diem opportunities. This hourly pay data is officially sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlights the valued skill set and specialization required in the field.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.19 | $337.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.53 | $372.23 |
| Median (P50) | $51.73 | $413.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.19 | $425.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.18 | $465.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $51.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.73/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $107,593 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,073. With a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,069.09 | $8,966 | $107,593 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,241.45 | $5,380 | $64,556 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $827.64 | $3,586 | $43,037 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Trenton) | $51.73 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $107,603 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.30% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 6.90% below the New Jersey state average of $115,578.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.73/hr = $64,556/year (purchasing power: $62,566).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,593/year (purchasing power: $104,277).
CoL index: 103.18 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Trenton grew 31.6% from $37.41/hr (2019) to $49.25/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.33/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
For those considering part-time work, an MRI technologist working 24 hours a week could generate a substantial annual income, but it will significantly differ from their full-time counterparts. Per-diem roles also reveal diverse pay grades; per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Trenton ranges typically from $55 to $85 per hour, with specialized cardiac MRI opportunities offering higher rates of $75 to $110. This variability often depends on the employer type, as hospital imaging departments may offer different compensation compared to outpatient centers or mobile MRI services. Additionally, some technologists opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, whereas others prioritize higher pay without benefits. When negotiating, it's beneficial for technicians to focus on employer-specific standards while considering their own financial needs, knowing the competitive rates available in Trenton's imaging market.
More salary data for Trenton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Trenton in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Trenton?
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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 Trenton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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