Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Paterson, NJ: $115,444 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Paterson, NJ earns a median $115,444/year (≈ $55.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Paterson's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $100,212 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Paterson, New Jersey, can expect a median annual salary of $115,444, which is notably higher than the national median of $100,283, reflecting a 15.12% premium. Salary estimates range significantly, from $84,681 at the 10th percentile to $158,102 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing factors, offer insights into the local market dynamics. The increased compensation can partly be attributed to the demand for specialized skills, particularly in cardiac MRI and neuro subspecialties, which are gaining traction locally and contribute to enhanced earnings for professionals in these areas.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,681 | $40.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,451 | $47.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,444 | $55.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,307 | $64.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158,102 | $76.01 |
Median Salary Position
15.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paterson
In Paterson, NJ, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,421 (2026 est.). At $115,444, the local median is 15.12% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paterson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paterson Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Paterson median: $115,444/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paterson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $115,559 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +15.12% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Paterson, NJ earn a median of $115,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $115,559.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paterson has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paterson, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,444 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,212 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,508
2025 BLS Actual
$109,915
2026 Current Est.
$115,444
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,508 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,982 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,056 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,198 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,212 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,915 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,444 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,251 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paterson metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $84,508 (2019) to $109,915 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,251 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,743 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paterson 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) | $84,681 – $98,451 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,451 – $115,444 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,444 – $133,307 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,307 – $158,102 |
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 Paterson
Examining the local job market, there are currently 31 employed magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Paterson. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, professionals may find their purchasing power affected, compelling them to look for optimal employment opportunities. Compensation can vary widely among employers, with hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed generally offering the best pay. Factors influencing the salary range include subspecialty expertise, shift differentials for weekend shifts, and premium pay for trauma center call coverage. To maximize their earning potential, MRI technologists should consider cross-training in high-demand areas, pursuing MRSO certification, and exploring opportunities with travel MRI tech agencies, enhancing both their marketability and compensation in Paterson, NJ.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Paterson, NJ in 2026?
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Paterson?
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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 $109,915 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Paterson 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 Paterson 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