MRI Technologist Salary Guide 2025: $95,480 Median, 7% Growth

How much Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists earn

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean annual wage for MRI technologists is $96,120, with a median of $95,480. That breaks down to roughly $46 per hour. The typical range runs from $68,890 (10th percentile) to $127,670 (90th percentile). This means experienced techs in high-paying settings can earn well over $60 an hour.

Where you work matters. General medical and surgical hospitals employ the most MRI techs and pay a mean of $96,520. Outpatient care centers pay a mean of $107,250, making them one of the top-paying settings. Medical and diagnostic laboratories pay about $101,860. Physicians' offices average $96,250. And specialty hospitals (excluding psychiatric/substance abuse) offer a mean of $104,870.

Experience and specialization also boost earnings. Many techs earn ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certification in MRI, which is often required by employers and can lead to higher pay. Additional credentials in advanced imaging modalities can push your salary toward the top of the scale.

Pay by state

Location has a huge impact on MRI tech salaries. The District of Columbia tops the list at $128,710 mean annual wage, followed by California at $124,000, Washington at $122,750, Oregon at $121,920, and Alaska at $120,610. These states tend to have higher costs of living and stronger healthcare demand.

On the lower end, Mississippi pays a mean of $71,710, South Dakota $77,010, and Louisiana $77,510. That's a gap of more than $50,000 between the highest and lowest state. Keep in mind that these figures do not adjust for cost of living, so a lower salary in a cheap state might still offer decent purchasing power. But if maximizing earnings is your goal, targeting the top-paying states or facilities can pay off.

• Highest-paying states: DC ($128,710), CA ($124,000), WA ($122,750), OR ($121,920), AK ($120,610)
• Lower-paying states: LA ($77,510), SD ($77,010), MS ($71,710)

How to become Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

To become an MRI technologist, you typically need an associate's degree in radiologic technology or a related field. Many MRI techs start as radiologic technologists and then earn a post-primary certificate in MRI. Some programs offer a dedicated MRI technology track at the certificate or associate degree level.

Licensing and certification vary by state, but most employers require certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in MRI. To sit for the ARRT exam, you must graduate from an accredited program and meet clinical experience requirements. Some states also have their own licensing requirements — check with your state health board for specifics.

• Step 1: Earn an associate's degree in radiologic technology or MRI from an accredited program.
• Step 2: Complete clinical training and ARRT exam eligibility (usually 1-2 years of experience).
• Step 3: Pass the ARRT certification exam in MRI (required by most employers).
• Step 4: Obtain state license if required (currently about 35 states regulate MRI techs).
• Step 5: Maintain certification with continuing education credits (24 per biennium for ARRT).

Job outlook

Employment for MRI technologists is projected to grow 7.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 2,600 new job openings each year over the decade, mostly due to replacement of retiring workers and increased demand for diagnostic imaging as the population ages.

As of the latest BLS data, there are about 43,390 MRI technologists employed nationwide. That's a relatively small occupation, so competition for jobs may vary by location. Techs with advanced certifications and experience in multiple imaging modalities will have the best prospects. Growth is driven by the increasing use of MRI for diagnosing conditions like cancer, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Frequently asked questions