Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Associate's degree
Less than 5 years
None
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Magnetic resonance imaging technologists work in a specialized health care role focused on using MRI technology. Nationally, this occupation employs about 44,000 people, with a projected employment growth rate of 7.1%. There are an estimated 3,000 annual openings, suggesting a continuing need for new talent entering the field. The national median annual salary of $88,180 indicates strong earning potential, and in some locations salaries are substantially higher. This career draws on a mix of technical and people-focused skills, including detail orientation, science, computers and information technology, customer service, and interpersonal abilities. Mechanical aptitude, fine motor skills, adaptability, leadership, and solid writing and reading skills also play a role in success. Typical entry into this occupation is through an associate’s degree, making it accessible for students and career changers who are ready to complete a focused postsecondary program and build a blend of technical and patient-facing competencies.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a national median annual salary of $88,180, providing a solid income baseline across the United States. Earnings can be significantly higher in certain states and metro areas. Among states, California shows a median salary of $124,000, Washington $122,750, New York $113,270, Massachusetts $110,600, and Colorado $105,380. At the metro level, salaries in some areas are even higher. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA stands out with a median salary of $176,950, followed by San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $146,260 and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $123,910. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ reports $118,360, and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV offers $109,110. This range shows that geographic choice can have a major impact on earning potential for MRI technologists, especially in specific high-paying metro regions.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists have a national employment base of about 44,000, with projected employment growth of 7.1%. This projected growth, combined with approximately 3,000 annual openings, suggests an ongoing flow of opportunities from new positions and turnover. The consistent 7.1% growth rate is reflected across the top states and metro areas listed, indicating a broadly shared outlook rather than being limited to a single region. For individuals planning a long-term career, the combination of established employment levels and continued growth can be appealing. Students and career changers can view the 3,000 annual openings as a sign that people regularly enter and move within the field. Overall, the employment and growth figures point to a career path with a measurable level of stability and continuing demand over the projection period.
Location plays a significant role in both opportunity and pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists. Among states, California has the highest median salary at $124,000 and the largest listed employment level at 3,570, paired with an opportunity score of 67.38. New York and Massachusetts also stand out, with median salaries of $113,270 and $110,600 and opportunity scores of 65.78 and 65.87, respectively. Washington and Colorado offer median salaries above $100,000 and opportunity scores in the mid-50s. At the metro level, differences become even more pronounced. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA shows a median salary of $176,950 and the highest opportunity score of 77.42, while New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ combines a large employment base of 3,020 with an opportunity score of 77.27. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH also offer strong combinations of salary, employment, and opportunity scores.
The typical education for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is an associate’s degree, providing a focused pathway into a specialized health care occupation without requiring a longer bachelor’s program. Alongside formal education, this career relies on a well-rounded skill set. Detail orientation and fine motor skills support precise, accurate work. Science knowledge and comfort with computers and information technology are important for working with MRI equipment and related systems. Customer service and interpersonal skills help technologists interact effectively with patients and colleagues. Mechanical aptitude supports understanding and working with complex equipment, while adaptability helps respond to changing situations in clinical environments. Leadership skills can become valuable as technologists take on added responsibilities, and strong writing and reading skills are important for documentation and understanding technical and clinical information. Together, the associate’s degree and these skills form the core preparation for entering and progressing in this field.
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