Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Cambridge, MA: $127,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Cambridge, MA earns a median $127,035/year (≈ $61.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $117,083 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.8% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Cambridge, Massachusetts can expect a median annual salary of $127,035, significantly higher than the projected national median of $100,283. This notable discrepancy can be attributed to the area's higher demand for specialized imaging, particularly in cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties, which command premiums in pay. Local salary ranges show a breadth from $86,903 at the 10th percentile to $170,534 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of expertise and specialization within the field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations that reflect the economic conditions in Cambridge.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,903 | $41.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,578 | $49.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,035 | $61.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,839 | $68.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,534 | $81.99 |
Median Salary Position
26.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,631 (2026 est.). At $127,035, the local median is 26.68% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $127,035/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $108,763 | +16.80% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +26.68% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $127,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.68% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 16.80% above the Massachusetts state average of $108,763.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,035 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,083 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,993
2025 BLS Actual
$120,951
2026 Current Est.
$127,035
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,993 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,615 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,997 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,455 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,079 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,107 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,951 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,425 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $92,993 (2019) to $120,951 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,425 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,432 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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) | $86,903 – $103,578 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,578 – $127,035 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,035 – $141,839 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,839 – $170,534 |
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 Cambridge
The employment market in Cambridge for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is robust, with around 22 individuals employed in this specialized sector. However, the cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that while salaries are competitive, they must be weighed against increased living expenses in the area. Institutions such as local hospital imaging departments and specialized clinics like RadNet and SimonMed tend to provide the higher salary options for technologists. The extensive salary range is influenced by various factors, including subspecialization—where cardiac MRI often yields the highest compensation—and shift differentials, especially for night and weekend work. To maximize earnings in this competitive market, technologists should consider pursuing MRSO certification and exploring opportunities for travel positions, as well as seeking employment in facilities that offer premiums for specific skills, which can significantly enhance take-home pay in Cambridge MA.
More salary data for Cambridge, 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 $120,951 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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