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MRI tech: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$95,480median pay per year, or $45.91 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $68,890lowest 10% earn less
  2. $81,04025th percentile
  3. $95,480median
  4. $106,34075th percentile
  5. $127,670top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

The median pay for MRI technologists was $95,480 a year, well above the $50,980 median for all occupations[1][2]. Employment is projected to grow 7.7% by 2035[3].

Job growth, 2025–35
+7.7%[3]
Openings per year
2,300[5]
Typical entry education
Associate's degree[6]

How much do MRI techs make?

The official BLS category is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists. In May 2025, the median wage was $95,480 a year, or $45.91 an hour[1]. Half earned above that figure and half earned below it[1]. The average was $96,120 a year, or $46.21 an hour[7].

The range looks like this:

Per hour, the 10th percentile was $33.12 and the 90th percentile was $61.38[8]. A percentile is a boundary in the pay scale, and BLS does not publish a starting salary[9].

The median for all occupations was $50,980, so the median MRI tech wage was higher[2]. These figures cover wage and salary workers only. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses outside production and the cost of benefits[10]. About 43,390 people held these wage and salary jobs[11].

Pay by state and city

BLS published pay for 50 states and the District of Columbia[12]. The District of Columbia had the highest median at $128,710, followed by California at $124,000 and Washington at $122,750[12]. Mississippi had the lowest listed median at $71,710[12].

California had the most jobs, with 3,570[13]. New York had 3,240, Texas 2,930, Florida 2,860 and Illinois 2,760[13].

Looking at metro areas with 100 or more jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest median at $176,950[14]. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA was next at $146,260, then Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA at $144,810[14]. The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had the most jobs, with 3,020 and a median of $118,360[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
District of Columbia[12]$128,710150
California$124,0003,570
Washington$122,750960
Oregon$121,920510
Alaska$120,610100
Hawaii$119,370140
New York$113,2703,240
Massachusetts$110,6001,490
Connecticut$106,330450
New Hampshire$105,420270
Colorado$105,380670
Maryland$105,230770
Rhode Island$105,060140
New Jersey$103,9301,250
Delaware$103,510170
Vermont$103,07060
Idaho$101,680170
Minnesota$100,900710
Arizona$100,600730
Virginia$98,6401,070
Nevada$98,260340
Texas$96,7802,930
Illinois$95,3802,760
Wisconsin$94,720530
Maine$94,140210
Georgia$92,0601,800
Wyoming$92,01070
Utah$91,150300
Pennsylvania$91,1202,250
New Mexico$87,850140
Ohio$87,6701,840
Oklahoma$87,480400
Montana$86,950150
Indiana$86,8801,030
North Carolina$85,1201,180
Michigan$84,6201,270
Florida$84,3302,860
South Carolina$83,550730
Missouri$83,1101,040
Nebraska$82,710290
Kansas$82,670330
Kentucky$82,200650
Iowa$81,420220
North Dakota$80,61070
West Virginia$80,490190
Alabama$78,890490
Arkansas$78,780380
Tennessee$78,6101,350
Louisiana$77,510510
South Dakota$77,010210
Mississippi$71,710250

How to become an MRI tech

BLS lists the typical path for MRI technologists like this:

In an O*NET survey of 23 workers, 65% said an associate's degree is required[16]. Another 13% said a post-secondary certificate and 9% a bachelor's degree[16].

The details below come from a BLS handbook profile that covers radiologic and MRI technologists together, so it describes a wider group[17]. It says MRI technologists may start out as radiologic technologists[18]. The related experience usually comes from that job[19]. High school students can prepare with math and science courses[20]. College coursework covers topics such as anatomy, patient care and radiation physics, and programs may include clinical work[21].

Few states require a license for MRI technologists, and rules differ by state[22]. Where a license is required, it usually means graduating from an accredited program and then passing a state exam or earning certification from a credentialing group[23]. Even without a state rule, employers typically require or prefer certified technologists. Some also want CPR or basic life support certification[24].

What MRI techs do

MRI technologists run scanners and watch patient safety and comfort. They also check the pictures to make sure the quality is good[25]. Typical tasks from O*NET include[26]:

O*NET job titles include MRI specialist, MRI radiographer and research MRI technologist[27].

Where they work

This section draws on the wider handbook profile for radiologic and MRI technologists[17]. In 2025, 61% of these technologists worked in hospitals, which the profile lists as state, local and private[28].

The work keeps people on their feet for long stretches, and they may need to lift or turn patients[29]. Like other healthcare workers, they may be exposed to infectious diseases[30]. Radiation hazards apply to radiologic technologists, and protective gear and monitoring badges keep them low[30].

Most of these technologists work full time. Imaging is sometimes needed in emergencies, so some work evenings, weekends or overnight[31].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 7.7% between 2025 and 2035[3]. That means about 43,900 jobs in 2025 and 47,300 in 2035, or 3,400 more[3]. All occupations are projected to grow 3.5% over the same years[32].

About 2,300 openings are projected each year[5]. These include jobs that open when people retire or switch occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 2.2% of workers leave the labor force and 2.1% move to a different occupation[33].

Is it a good fit?

The median pay is well above the all-occupations median, and employment is projected to grow faster than the all-occupations rate[1][2][3][32]. The typical entry path calls for an associate's degree and some related experience[6]. The work involves long periods on your feet and sometimes evening, weekend or overnight shifts[29][31]. Pay varies by place, from $71,710 in Mississippi to $128,710 in the District of Columbia[12].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[34].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an MRI tech make an hour?
The median was $45.91 an hour in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $33.12 and the 90th percentile was $61.38[8].
What degree do you need to be an MRI tech?
BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical education[6].
Do MRI techs need a license?
The wider handbook profile says few states require a license for MRI technologists. Employers typically require or prefer certification[22][24].
Is MRI tech in demand?
Employment is projected to grow 7.7% between 2025 and 2035, against 3.5% for all occupations, with about 2,300 openings a year[3][32][5].
What is the highest paying state for MRI techs?
The District of Columbia has the highest median at $128,710[12]. Among states, California is first at $124,000[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in the US was $95,480 per year and $45.91 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists is projected to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 43,900 to 47,300 jobs (a change of +3,400). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists: 10th percentile $68,890, 25th percentile $81,040, 75th percentile $106,340, 90th percentile $127,670. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 2,300 openings for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists: education needed for entry: Associate's degree; work experience in a related occupation: Less than 5 years; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists was $96,120 per year and $46.21 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists: 10th percentile $33.12, 25th percentile $38.96, 75th percentile $51.12, 90th percentile $61.38. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 43,390 people were employed as Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists jobs: California 3,570; New York 3,240; Texas 2,930; Florida 2,860; Illinois 2,760. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $176,950; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $146,260; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $144,810; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $130,460; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $123,910; San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $123,080; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $120,650; Urban Honolulu, HI $119,370. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 3,020 (median $118,360); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 1,930 (median $100,730); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 1,290 (median $109,800); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 1,160 (median $123,910); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 1,160 (median $98,620); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 1,010 (median $100,180). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. O*NET 29-2035.00 survey of workers (23 respondents), education level they say is required: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 65%, Post-Secondary Certificate 13%, Bachelor's Degree 9% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  17. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Radiologic and MRI Technologists" covers Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Work Experience in a Related Occupation. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. O*NET description of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET task list for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists. O*NET OnLine
  27. O*NET 29-2035.00 sample job titles reported by workers: 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), Research MRI Technologist (Research Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist). O*NET OnLine
  28. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of radiologic and mri technologists in 2025: Hospitals; state, local, and private 61%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  33. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists: 2.2% of workers leave the labor force each year and 2.1% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  34. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.