Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Arlington, MA: $107,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Arlington, MA earns a median $107,185/year (≈ $51.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Arlington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $98,788 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Arlington, Massachusetts, is $107,185, which reflects a notable 6.88% increase compared to the national median of $100,283. Salaries in this field vary significantly, with a range from $78,462 at the lower decile to $134,639 at the upper decile. These figures are informed by 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, which are currently above the national average. The opportunity to specialize, particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac MRI, adds substantial value to the role, influencing compensation levels within this competitive market.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,462 | $37.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,621 | $43.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,185 | $51.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,679 | $56.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,639 | $64.73 |
Median Salary Position
6.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
In Arlington, MA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,177 (2026 est.). At $107,185, the local median is 6.88% above the national median of $100,283.
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At 40 hours/week in Arlington: You'd be above the median
How Arlington Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Arlington median: $107,185/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $108,817 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +6.88% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Arlington, MA earn a median of $107,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.88% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $108,817.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arlington, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $107,185 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,788 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,463
2025 BLS Actual
$102,052
2026 Current Est.
$107,185
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,463 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,685 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,603 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,504 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,052 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,577 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $78,463 (2019) to $102,052 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,577 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,114 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $78,462 – $90,621 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,621 – $107,185 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,185 – $117,679 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,679 – $134,639 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Arlington
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Arlington is relatively small, with only nine professionals currently employed in this field. The cost of living index in Arlington stands at 108.5, indicating that while salaries for MRI technologists are competitive, actual disposable income may be affected by higher living expenses. Among local employers, hospitals and outpatient imaging centers like RadNet are typically among the highest payers, while mobile MRI companies often offer premium rates with flexible shifts. Differences in pay can largely be attributed to subspecialties, shift differentials, and the demand for certain qualifications. Technologists might maximize their earnings through continued education such as MRSO certification, and by exploring opportunities in travel MRI positions, enhancing both skills and financial returns in the evolving landscape of magnetic resonance imaging.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Arlington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Arlington?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $102,052 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Arlington metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington 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