Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Watertown, NY: $50.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Watertown, NY runs $50.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,626 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,773 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, NY, the hourly compensation for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist averages at $50.30, which surpasses the national median hourly rate of $48.21 by approximately 4.33%. This robust hourly pay is particularly advantageous for both part-time MRI technologists and those seeking per-diem work. For instance, a technologist working three days per week can expect to earn about $3,616 monthly (based on a 24-hour work week), offering a livable income without the commitment of full-time hours. Within the local job market, entry-level positions start around $37.38 per hour, while seasoned professionals can reach as high as $63.85 hourly, reflecting the growing demand for MRI services across various clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile units.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.38 | $299.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.82 | $334.58 |
| Median (P50) | $50.30 | $402.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.54 | $436.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.85 | $510.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $50.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.30/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, NY can expect to earn approximately $104,622 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,359. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,011.95 | $8,718 | $104,622 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,207.17 | $5,231 | $62,773 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $804.78 | $3,487 | $41,849 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Watertown) | $50.30 |
| 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 Watertown, NY earn a median of $104,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.33% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the New York state average of $105,469.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.30/hr = $62,773/year (purchasing power: $54,161).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,622/year (purchasing power: $90,269).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Watertown grew 30.1% from $36.82/hr (2019) to $47.89/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.83/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Watertown have a valuable earning potential, with many choosing to work on a per-diem basis, as they can see earnings upwards of $55-$85 an hour. In addition to standard MRI work, specialized areas like cardiac imaging can command even higher rates, with per-diem technicians earning between $75 and $110 per hour. For travel contracts, MRI technologists can secure weekly pay ranging from $2,200 to $3,400, with cardiac MRI positions often priced at a premium. The type of employer significantly influences pay structures; hospitals may offer comprehensive benefits at a slightly lower hourly rate compared to outpatient facilities or travel agencies, where hourly rates are higher but may lack health insurance. Consequently, technologists need to assess their priorities carefully, balancing higher wages against the security of benefits when negotiating contracts in the Watertown area.
More salary data for Watertown, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Watertown?
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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