Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
SOC code 29-2035 · O*NET-SOC 29-2035.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$95,480
a year
Hourly
$45.91
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$96,120
$46.21 per hour
Middle 50%
$81,040 – $106,340
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$68,890 – $127,670
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
43,390
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $68,890
- $33.12/hr
- 25th percentile
- $81,040
- $38.96/hr
- Median percentile
- $95,480
- $45.91/hr
- 75th percentile
- $106,340
- $51.12/hr
- 90th percentile
- $127,670
- $61.38/hr
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
How to become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist
Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 65% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree65%
- Post-Secondary Certificate13%
- Bachelor's Degree9%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)4%
Common questions
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist earn?
The national median is $95,480 a year. The full range runs from $68,890 at the 10th percentile to $127,670 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Monitoring3.8/5
- Speaking3.6/5
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Writing3.1/5
- Active Learning3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Physics4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.6/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
- Education and Training3.4/5
- Biology3.0/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Social Perceptiveness.