Healthcare career

MRI Technologist

Also called: MRI Tech · Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist · MR Technologist · ARRT (MR)

What MRI technologists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does an MRI technologist do?

MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners to create detailed images of organs and tissues for physicians to diagnose medical problems. The median pay is $95,480 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2–3 years, and employment is projected to grow +7.7% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $95,480
    $45.91/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +7.7%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    2,300
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Associate's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    2–3 years
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    43,900
    Employment, 2025

What MRI technologists do

MRI technologists produce some of medicine’s most detailed images. They screen patients for metal and safety risks, position them in the scanner, choose imaging sequences, give contrast when ordered, keep anxious patients calm and still, and check that images answer the doctor’s question.

Many MRI technologists start as radiologic technologists and add MRI training; others complete dedicated MRI programs. Certification is through the ARRT or ARMRIT.

Typical duties

  • Screen patients for MRI safety
  • Position patients in the scanner
  • Select imaging sequences
  • Give contrast when ordered
  • Monitor patients during scans
  • Check image quality
  • Maintain MRI safety zones

Work environment and schedule

MRI technologists work in hospitals and outpatient imaging centers.

Schedule: Many imaging centers run evenings and weekends; hospitals run 24/7.

A day in the life

  1. Run scanner quality checks.
  2. Screen a patient for implants.
  3. Scan a knee.
  4. Scan a brain with contrast.

See a full day in the life of an MRI technologist →

MRI Technologist salary

Half of MRI technologists earned more than $95,480 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $68,890 for the lowest 10% to $127,670 for the top 10%.

Full MRI technologist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an MRI technologist

  1. Complete a radiography or MRI program
  2. Complete clinical hours
  3. Earn certification
  4. Get hired
  5. Advance

An associate degree in radiologic technology plus MRI training, or a dedicated MRI program, is typical, along with certification.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an MRI technologist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • MRI physics basics
  • Safety screening
  • Scan protocols
  • Patient positioning
  • Contrast administration

People skills

  • Calm reassurance
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Patience

All MRI technologist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • High pay
  • Advanced technology
  • No ionizing radiation
  • Growing use of MRI

Cons

  • Strict magnet safety
  • Anxious or claustrophobic patients
  • Shift work
  • Physically positioning patients

Certifications and licenses

  • ARRT (MR): MRI certification.
  • ARMRIT certification: Alternative MRI credential.
  • MRI Safety Officer training: Safety credential.
  • BLS CPR: Basic life support.

Career path

  1. Radiologic Technologist: Common start.
  2. MRI Technologist: Scan patients.
  3. Lead MRI Tech: Lead teams.
  4. MRI Safety Officer or Manager: Manage imaging.

Learn the job before day one

Our MRI Technologist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as screen a patient for MRI safety and help a claustrophobic patient, safety and how to land your first job.

View MRI Technologist trainingIs this career right for me?

Radiologic Technologist

Take the X-rays and diagnostic images doctors use to find fractures, disease and injuries.

  • $80,110
  • 2 years

Radiologist

Read X-rays, CT and MRI scans to diagnose disease.

  • $420,860
  • 13 years after high school

Compare: MRI Tech vs. Rad Tech · MRI Tech vs. Radiologist · MRI Tech vs. Nuclear Medicine Tech · MRI Tech vs. Sonographer

MRI Technologist FAQ

Does MRI use radiation?

No, it uses magnets and radio waves.

How do you become an MRI tech?

Usually through a radiography program plus MRI training, or a dedicated MRI program.

Is MRI safety important?

Yes, metal objects can become dangerous projectiles.

How much does an MRI technologist make?

The median annual wage for MRI technologists was $95,480 ($45.91 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $68,890 and the highest 10% earned more than $127,670.

How long does it take to become an MRI technologist?

Most people need about 2–3 years of training. An associate degree in radiologic technology plus MRI training, or a dedicated MRI program, is typical, along with certification.

Do you need a degree to be an MRI technologist?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.

More MRI technologist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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