Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Kearny, NJ: $111,759 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Kearny, NJ earns a median $111,759/year (≈ $53.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Kearny's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $97,013 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kearny, NJ, the projected annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is $111,759 in 2026, reflecting a competitive advantage over the national median of $100,283. The salary forecast reveals a significant range, with entry-level positions earning around $87,547 and top earners reaching $146,923. These figures are informed by local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities, contextualizing Kearny's compensation within the wider field of radiologic technology. The job market shows promise, particularly as hospitals and specialized outpatient centers look to attract and retain skilled technologists who are increasingly pivotal in diagnostic imaging.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,547 | $42.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,813 | $47.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,759 | $53.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,334 | $57.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,923 | $70.63 |
Median Salary Position
11.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearny
In Kearny, NJ, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,376 (2026 est.). At $111,759, the local median is 11.44% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearny Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Kearny median: $111,759/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $115,573 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +11.44% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kearny, NJ earn a median of $111,759 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $115,573.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearny has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearny, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $111,759 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,013 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,811
2025 BLS Actual
$106,407
2026 Current Est.
$111,759
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,811 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,213 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,256 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,323 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,758 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,407 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,759 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,381 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearny metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $81,811 (2019) to $106,407 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,381 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,570 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny 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) | $87,547 – $98,813 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,813 – $111,759 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,759 – $120,334 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,334 – $146,923 |
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 Kearny
When examining the local job market, Kearny hosts 11 employed magnetic resonance imaging technologists, implying a niche but stable demand for this profession. The cost of living index stands at 115.2, indicating that while salaries may be higher than the national average, the overall expense of living in Kearny is also elevated, impacting take-home purchasing power. Notably, some of the highest-paying employers include hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI chains like RadNet, which may offer added incentives such as shift differentials and stipends related to sub-specialties like cardiac MRI. To maximize earnings, aspiring technologists should consider pursuing additional certifications such as MRSO and seek opportunities with travel MRI agencies, which often pay premiums for flexibility and specialized skills, particularly in high-demand subspecialties.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Kearny, NJ in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Kearny?
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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 $106,407 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Kearny 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 Kearny 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