Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Watertown, NY: $104,626 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Watertown, NY earns a median $104,626/year (≈ $50.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $90,273 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Watertown, NY is projected at $104,626, which is notably higher than the national median of $100,283, representing a difference of 4.33%. Local salaries are expected to range from a lower end of $77,761 to a high of $132,803 for the top earners, revealing substantial earning potential for those in this field. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. Given the implications of shift differentials and on-call coverage, many professionals in this market can significantly enhance their earnings, particularly within specialized environments requiring urgent care or advanced expertise in subspecialties such as cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,761 | $37.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,998 | $41.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,626 | $50.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,454 | $54.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,803 | $63.85 |
Median Salary Position
4.33% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, NY, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,042 (2026 est.). At $104,626, the local median is 4.33% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Watertown median: $104,626/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $105,469 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +4.33% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Watertown, NY earn a median of $104,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.33% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 0.80% below the New York state average of $105,469.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,626 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $90,273 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,589
2025 BLS Actual
$99,615
2026 Current Est.
$104,626
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,589 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,925 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,558 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,367 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,339 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,615 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,626 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,888 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $76,589 (2019) to $99,615 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,888 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,299 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $77,761 – $86,998 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,998 – $104,626 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,626 – $113,454 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,454 – $132,803 |
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 Watertown
Despite having only four magnetic resonance imaging technologists currently employed in Watertown, the local job market shows promise for growth, with an annual growth rate projected at 5.03%. The area’s cost of living index is 115.9, indicating above-average living expenses which must be considered when evaluating take-home pay. The highest salaries are likely found within hospital imaging departments and outpatient MRI facilities, where demand for skilled professionals is strong. Factors contributing to the wide pay range include the level of subspecialization, which pays more for cardiac over general MRI, as well as differential pay for weekend and night shifts, call coverage at trauma centers, and potential supplements for certifications like MRSO. To maximize earning potential in this Watertown market, technologists should focus on building specialization skills, consider diversified roles, and seek opportunities that offer competitive shift differentials.
More salary data for Watertown, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Watertown?
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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 $99,615 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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