Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $116,583 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $116,583/year (≈ $56.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $101,201 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabeth, NJ, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect to earn a noteworthy median salary of $116,583 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $100,283. This reflects a competitive 16.25% premium on the national figure and positions the local job market as a robust option for professionals in the field. The salary range in Elizabeth spans from $86,834 at the 10th percentile to $161,984 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the substantial opportunities available depending on experience, specialization, and work setting. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments indicate that technologists can find employment in various environments, including hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, or mobile MRI companies, each offering different pay scales that cater to the demand for their skilled services.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,834 | $41.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,775 | $48.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,583 | $56.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,425 | $64.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,984 | $77.88 |
Median Salary Position
16.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,150 (2026 est.). At $116,583, the local median is 16.25% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $116,583/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $115,543 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +16.25% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $116,583 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $115,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $116,583 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,201 — a 13.19% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$85,343
2025 BLS Actual
$111,000
2026 Current Est.
$116,583
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,343 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,935 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,108 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,352 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,583 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,447 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $85,343 (2019) to $111,000 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,447 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,104 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $86,834 – $100,775 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,775 – $116,583 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,583 – $133,425 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,425 – $161,984 |
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 Elizabeth
The job market for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Elizabeth remains solid, with 25 professionals actively employed in the area. However, the local cost of living, reflected in the index of 115.2, slightly impacts purchasing power and necessitates careful budgeting for residents. Facilities such as large hospital imaging departments typically offer the highest compensation, often influenced by the demand for specialized skills like cardiac MRI or neuro imaging. Factors driving the disparity in pay include subspecialty expertise, shift differentials, and potential stipends for certifications such as MRSO. Professionals strategizing for maximum pay should consider embracing ongoing education, particularly in emerging areas such as prostate mpMRI, and be open to working in high-demand niches, which may also include travel assignments that carry a premium pay rate.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Elizabeth, NJ in 2026?
Is Elizabeth, NJ a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Elizabeth?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Elizabeth?
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per hour in Elizabeth?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 $111,000 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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