Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Union City, NJ: $54.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Union City, NJ runs $54.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,935 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,357 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Union City, NJ earn a median hourly rate of $54.77, significantly higher than the national average of $48.21. This elevated hourly pay reflects the specialized expertise required for the role, particularly in demanding environments such as hospital MRI suites and outpatient imaging centers. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, this translates to a robust weekly income, while per-diem workers in various settings—mobile MRI trailers, orthopedic practices, and research facilities—can also enjoy flexible schedules and competitive pay. The hourly pay range is extensive, with entry-level positions starting around $41.58 and experienced technologists earning upwards of $74.29, allowing for substantial growth based on experience and specialization.
About the Union City 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) | $41.58 | $332.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.62 | $380.96 |
| Median (P50) | $54.77 | $438.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.87 | $494.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.29 | $594.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $54.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.77/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $113,928 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,728. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,190.93 | $9,494 | $113,928 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,314.56 | $5,696 | $68,357 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $876.37 | $3,798 | $45,571 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Union City) | $54.77 |
| 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 Union City, NJ earn a median of $113,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.61% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $115,553.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.77/hr = $68,357/year (purchasing power: $59,338).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,928/year (purchasing power: $98,896).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Union City grew 30.1% from $40.10/hr (2019) to $52.15/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.53/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 Union City 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 Union City
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists typically find themselves earning a solid income without the commitment of full-time work. For example, a technologist working 24 hours a week at a rate of $54.77/hr would bring home approximately $68,074 annually, a figure that still allows for a comfortable lifestyle in Union City, given the area's cost of living index. Per-diem workers often charge between $55 and $85 per hour, with specialized areas such as cardiac MRI commanding even higher rates in some cases. In Union City, variations in pay can exist depending on employer type, where hospital imaging departments may offer more consistent hours and benefits compared to outpatient centers or mobile MRI providers. Understanding the implications of hours worked, possible benefits, and overall job satisfaction is critical when negotiating hourly pay, particularly for those weighing the trade-offs between lower hourly rates that provide health insurance and higher rates that come without benefits.
More salary data for Union City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Union City?
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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 Union City. 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 Union City 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