MRI Technologist Pay

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.

$113,387
Median Annual Salary
$54.51/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$85,199
Entry Level (P10)
$156,831
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Clifton, NJ — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Clifton, NJ magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileAnnualHourly
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

$85,199$156,831
City Median: $113,387
National: $100,283
P10–P90 Range

13.07% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clifton

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Clifton. The median salary is $113,387, compared to the national median of $100,283.$76.7K$98.7K$120.7K$142.7K$164.7K$85.2K10th Pctl$97.9K25th Pctl$113.4KMedian$123.1K75th Pctl$156.8K90th PctlUS Median$100.3K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in the Clifton metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$2,180
per week
$9,448
per month
$113,382
per year

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 ToMedian SalaryClifton Pays
New Jersey Average$115,583-1.90% less
National Average$100,283+13.07% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing magnetic resonance imaging technologist median salary in Clifton ($113,387) with New Jersey average ($115,583) and the US national median ($100,283).Clifton$113,387New Jersey Avg$115,583-1.90%US National$100,283+13.07%

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

$113,387
Nominal Salary
115.2
CoL Index
$98,426
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.

The nominal salary is $113,387. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 115.2, the purchasing-power equivalent is $98,426, a loss of $14,961.$83.7K$95.3K$107.0K$118.7K$130.4K$113,387NominalSalary$98,426CoL Adjusted(CoL: 115.2) -13.19%US Median $100.3K

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Clifton. Baseline $83,003 in 2025, projected to $119,091 by 2027.$75.8K$88.4K$101.0K$113.7K$126.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$83.0K$84.5K$87.5K$90.6K$94.7K$106.3K$108.0K$113.4K$119.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$83,003Actual
2020$84,450Actual
2021$87,469Actual
2022$90,556Actual
2023$94,683Actual
2024$106,283Actual
2025$107,957Actual
2026(current)$113,387Estimated
2027$119,091Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clifton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Clifton, NJ in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Clifton is $113,387/year ($54.51/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.03% annual growth). Salaries range from $85,199 at entry level (10th percentile) to $156,831 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Clifton at 13.1% above the national median. Full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Clifton, NJ a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Clifton magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries are 13.1% above the national average and 1.9% below the New Jersey state average. The metro area employs approximately 14 magnetic resonance imaging technologists. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Clifton?

Yes — the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Clifton is already $113,387, meaning more than half of magnetic resonance imaging technologists here earn six figures. Top earners (90th percentile) make $156,831/year. Factors that push pay above $100K include years of experience, specialty certifications, and working at high-production practices or large organizations.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Clifton?

After adjusting for Clifton's cost-of-living index of 115.2 (where 100 equals the national average), the $113,387 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $98,426 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Clifton reduce the effective value of your salary by 13.2% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Clifton?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Clifton earn a median hourly rate of $54.51, which translates to approximately $113,387/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $40.96 for entry-level positions to $75.40 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in New Jersey

CT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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