Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Clifton, NJ: $113,387 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Clifton, NJ earns a median $113,387/year (≈ $54.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Clifton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $98,426 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The projected median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Clifton, New Jersey, is $113,387 in 2026, which reflects a 13.07% increase compared to the national median of $100,283. Salaries for this role in Clifton range from $85,199 at the 10th percentile to $156,831 at the 90th percentile, presenting a wide spectrum of earning potential. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlight how shift differentials and call coverage can significantly impact higher-end compensation. With medical facilities in Clifton actively seeking qualified technologists, the local job market is primed for those who excel in this in-demand specialty.
About the Clifton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,199 | $40.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,932 | $47.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $113,387 | $54.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,111 | $59.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,831 | $75.40 |
Median Salary Position
13.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clifton
In Clifton, NJ, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,632 (2026 est.). At $113,387, the local median is 13.07% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clifton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clifton Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Clifton median: $113,387/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clifton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $115,583 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +13.07% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Clifton, NJ earn a median of $113,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $115,583.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clifton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clifton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $113,387 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,426 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,003
2025 BLS Actual
$107,957
2026 Current Est.
$113,387
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,469 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,556 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,683 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,283 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,957 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,387 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,091 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clifton metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $83,003 (2019) to $107,957 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,091 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,088 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clifton 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) | $85,199 – $97,932 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,932 – $113,387 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $113,387 – $123,111 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,111 – $156,831 |
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 Clifton
The employment picture in Clifton is robust, with 14 magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently working in the area. However, it's important to consider the cost of living index, which stands at 115.2, indicating that everyday expenses may be higher than national averages. Thankfully, Clifton's medical sector offers various lucrative opportunities, particularly in hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI centers like RadNet and SimonMed, where top salaries are realized. Factors driving the pay variance include subspecialty expertise, such as proficiency in cardiac MRI, as well as compensation for night shifts, weekend work, on-call duties at trauma centers, and payment from travel MRI agencies. For technologists eager to maximize their pay, pursuing advanced certifications like MRSO and specializing in high-demand areas can provide distinct advantages in the competitive Clifton NJ market.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Clifton, NJ in 2026?
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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 $107,957 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Clifton 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 Clifton 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