Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Boston, MA: $130,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Boston, MA earns a median $130,143/year (≈ $62.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Boston's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 108.3), that paycheck buys what $120,207 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 19.6% above the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Boston is set to reach a median of $130,143, distinctly outperforming the national median of $100,283 by approximately 29.78%. Salaries in the region showcase a broad spectrum, with entry-level positions starting around $64,604 and experienced professionals earning up to $156,946. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, underscores the robust compensation available for MRI technologists in Boston, a city characterized by a mix of hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, and specialty practices. As the demand for advanced imaging continues to grow, particularly in cardiac and multiparametric MRI, the competitive pay reflects the essential role these technologists play in the healthcare sector.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,604 | $31.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,410 | $50.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,143 | $62.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,486 | $68.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,946 | $75.45 |
Median Salary Position
29.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boston
In Boston, MA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,342 (2026 est.). At $130,143, the local median is 29.78% above the national median of $100,283.
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How Boston Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Boston median: $130,143/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $108,815 | +19.60% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +29.78% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Boston, MA earn a median of $130,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.78% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 19.60% above the Massachusetts state average of $108,815.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boston has a cost of living 8.27% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boston, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.266 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,143 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,207 — a 7.63% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,130
2025 BLS Actual
$123,910
2026 Current Est.
$130,143
2019–2027 Growth
+58.7%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,674 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,689 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boston metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 43.9% from $86,130 (2019) to $123,910 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,689 by 2027 — a total increase of $50,559 (58.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston 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) | $64,604 – $104,410 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,410 – $130,143 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,143 – $141,486 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,486 – $156,946 |
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 Boston
With approximately 1,160 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Boston, the local job market remains vibrant. A cost-of-living index of 108.266 indicates that while salaries are higher than the national average, living expenses in Boston also reflect a premium. Among employers, large hospital imaging departments often offer higher compensation compared to outpatient centers and mobile MRI services. Factors such as subspecialization in cardiac MRI, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and premiums for travel and MRSO certification can lead to significant pay variations. To maximize earning potential, techs should consider diversifying their skill sets, pursuing advanced certifications, and seeking opportunities in facilities with higher demand for specialized MRI services. The growth of areas like cardiac MRI hints at lucrative pathways for new and seasoned technologists alike.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $123,910 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Boston 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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