Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $114,622 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Lakewood, NJ earns a median $114,622/year (≈ $55.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $99,498 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, NJ, magnetic resonance imaging technologists can expect a median annual salary of $114,622 in 2026, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in this specialty. This figure lies in the range from $82,813 at the 10th percentile to $159,595 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a significant variation in pay that can arise from different types of employers and shifts. Local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, which is especially relevant in a community like Lakewood, where hospitals and outpatient imaging centers vie for top talent. The competitive nature of the job market here is exemplified by the robust opportunities available for MRI technologists, making it a lucrative career choice.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,813 | $39.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,791 | $46.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $114,622 | $55.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $131,380 | $63.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $159,595 | $76.72 |
Median Salary Position
14.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, NJ, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,782 (2026 est.). At $114,622, the local median is 14.3% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $114,622/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $115,547 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +14.30% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $114,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $115,547.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $114,622 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,498 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,907
2025 BLS Actual
$109,133
2026 Current Est.
$114,622
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,907 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,422 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,542 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,714 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,442 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,133 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,622 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,388 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $83,907 (2019) to $109,133 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,388 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,481 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $82,813 – $96,791 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,791 – $114,622 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $114,622 – $131,380 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $131,380 – $159,595 |
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 Lakewood
Analyzing the employment scene reveals that there are 31 magnetic resonance imaging technologists working in Lakewood, with the cost of living index at 115.2 indicating a higher expense relative to the national average. This reality means that take-home pay must stretch further to cover living costs. Hospitals generally provide the most competitive wages, especially those with specialized departments such as cardiac MRI or oncology imaging, while outpatient centers like RadNet and lifestyle practices may offer flexibility in hours but at slightly lower pay levels. Factors like subspecialty capabilities, shift differentials for weekends and nights, and additional stipends for MRSO certification contribute to the wage spread. For technologists looking to maximize their earnings in Lakewood, pursuing further specialization in high-demand areas like cardiac or neuroimaging and being open to travel assignments can significantly increase overall compensation.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Lakewood, NJ in 2026?
Is Lakewood, NJ a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Lakewood?
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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 $109,133 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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