Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists earn a median of $95,480 per year ($45.91/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 7.7% through 2035, with about 2,300 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
- SOC 29-2035
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in four numbers
- Median pay
- $95,480a year, or $45.91/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $69KTop 10% $128K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +7.7%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+7.7%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +7.7% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 2,30043,900 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202543.9K
- Projected 203547.3K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 43.9K Projected 2035 47.3K - Typical education
- Associate'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school4.4%
- Certificate13%
- Some college4.4%
- Associate's65.2%
- Bachelor's8.7%
- Post-bacc certificate4.4%
Highest education held by magnetic resonance imaging technologists Segment Value High school 4.4% Certificate 13% Some college 4.4% Associate's 65.2% Bachelor's 8.7% Post-bacc certificate 4.4%
Also advertised as: MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator), MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator), MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer), MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist), MRI Tech (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician), MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist).
Pay
How much do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists make?
Every magnetic resonance imaging technologist in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$95,480
Middle half earn $81,040 to $106,340
- 10th
- $68,890
- 25th
- $81,040
- 75th
- $106,340
- 90th
- $127,670
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $68,890 |
| 25th | $81,040 |
| Median | $95,480 |
| 75th | $106,340 |
| 90th | $127,670 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $95,480
- Median hourly wage
- $45.91/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $96,120
- People employed
- 43,390
Versus all US occupations
At $95,480, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists earn 87% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $44,500 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
Inside the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $102,760, this is 7% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $127,670 or more while the bottom 10% earn $68,890, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 69% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
District of Columbia posts the highest raw median ($128,710), but once local prices are taken into account Oregon leads at $117,956 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1District of Columbia | $128,710 | $117,114 | 150 |
| 2California | $124,000 | $111,994 | 3,570 |
| 3Washington | $122,750 | $114,706 | 960 |
| 4Oregon | $121,920 | $117,956 | 510 |
| 5Alaska | $120,610 | $117,830 | 100 |
| 6Hawaii | $119,370 | $108,567 | 140 |
| 7New York | $113,270 | $104,956 | 3,240 |
| 8Massachusetts | $110,600 | $104,579 | 1,490 |
| 9Connecticut | $106,330 | $102,625 | 450 |
| 10New Hampshire | $105,420 | $101,205 | 270 |
Job outlook
Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +7.7% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists | +7.7% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists to change 7.7% over 2025–2035, roughly 2.2× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 3,400 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 2,300 openings are projected each year, 5.2% of the 43,900 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The growing size of the older population and the rising prevalence of chronic disease will lead to greater demand for healthcare services, including diagnostic procedures. More radiologic and MRI technologists will be needed to perform the imaging exams that are essential for making diagnoses and creating treatment plans.
Falls and associated injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, are common in older people and require x rays or computed tomography (CT) scans to assess the extent of harm. In addition, MRI scans are useful for imaging various types of cancers, including of the brain, spine, and liver. As the number of falls and cancer cases rises, these technologists and technicians will be needed to operate the equipment that helps detect, assess, and diagnose these injuries and diseases.
Getting in
How to become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. MRI technologists may start out as radiologic technologists. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Associate's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
Less than 5 years
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree65.2%
- Post-Secondary Certificate13%
- Bachelor's Degree8.7%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)4.4%
- Some College Courses4.4%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 65.2% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 13% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 8.7% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 4.4% |
| Some College Courses | 4.4% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist do?
Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
Day-to-day tasks
- Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
- Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
- Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely seriousMistakes carry very serious consequences.
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where magnetic resonance imaging technologists work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Hospitals; state, local, and private61%
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories17%
- Offices of physicians14%
- Outpatient care centers3%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 61% |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 17% |
| Offices of physicians | 14% |
| Outpatient care centers | 3% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.9
- Active Listening3.8
- Monitoring3.8
- Speaking3.6
- Critical Thinking3.4
- Writing3.1
- Active Learning3.1
- Science2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 |
| Active Listening | 3.8 |
| Monitoring | 3.8 |
| Speaking | 3.6 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.4 |
| Writing | 3.1 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
| Science | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.6
- Operation and Control3.3
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Service Orientation3.1
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Instructing3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.6 |
| Operation and Control | 3.3 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Service Orientation | 3.1 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Instructing | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Medical software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Internet browser software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 4 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic5.5
- Conventional4.9
- Investigative4.8
- Social3.5
- Enterprising1.3
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
O*NET related occupations
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician
$74,310median a year
Most earn $39K to $121K
+3.7%Associate's - Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
More healthcare practitioners and technical careers
Median annual pay, with magnetic resonance imaging technologists highlighted
- Anesthesiologist$391,490
- Physician Assistant$135,880
- Nurse Practitioner$132,300
- Physical Therapist$102,760
- Dental Hygienist$98,100
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer$96,590
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist$95,480
- Radiologic Technologist and Technician$80,110
- Surgical Technologist$64,650
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $391,490 |
| Physician Assistant | $135,880 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,300 |
| Physical Therapist | $102,760 |
| Dental Hygienist | $98,100 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $96,590 |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist | $95,480 |
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician | $80,110 |
| Surgical Technologist | $64,650 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist appears on
Questions
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist: frequently asked questions
How much do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists make?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists earn a median of $95,480 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 87% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $45.91/hr. The middle half earn between $81,040 and $106,340. The top 10% earn $127,670 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists. Employers typically expect less than 5 years of related work experience first. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 65.2% hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree.
Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 7.7% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 2,300 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist do?
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. A core O*NET task: review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams. Employers most often ask for Medical software, Office suite software, Spreadsheet software.
Which states pay Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists the most?
The highest state medians for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists are District of Columbia ($128,710), California ($124,000), Washington ($122,750) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Oregon moves to the top at $117,956.
What personality type suits a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?
O*NET scores Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.