Career comparison
MRI Technologist vs. Radiologic Technologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
MRI technologists earn more at the median ($95,480 vs. $80,110), while radiologic technologists usually get to work faster (2 years of training). MRI technologists operate MRI scanners that create detailed images of the body. Radiologic technologists take the X-rays and diagnostic images doctors use to find fractures, disease and injuries.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| MRI Technologist | Radiologic Technologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $95,480 ($45.91/hr) | $80,110 ($38.52/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $68,890 – $127,670 | $55,980 – $118,660 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.7% (much faster than average) | +5.0% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,300 | 13,000 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | Associate's degree |
| Training time | 2–3 years | 2 years |
| Key credential | ARRT (MR) | ARRT Radiography (R) |
| Work setting | MRI technologists work in hospitals and outpatient imaging centers.. | Technologists work in hospital radiology departments, emergency departments, imaging centers and clinics. |
What each job does
MRI Technologist
- Screen patients for MRI safety
- Position patients in the scanner
- Select imaging sequences
- Give contrast when ordered
- Monitor patients during scans
Radiologic Technologist
- Review imaging orders and confirm patient identity
- Explain procedures and answer patient questions
- Position patients and equipment for the correct views
- Set exposure factors and capture diagnostic images
- Apply radiation protection for patients, staff and yourself
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, helping others, indoor work, and shift work. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose MRI technologist if…
- I like advanced technology
- I’m calm with nervous patients
- I follow safety rules strictly
Choose radiologic technologist if…
- I’m interested in anatomy and how the body works
- I like technology and equipment
- I can stay calm with patients in pain
Still torn? Take the MRI Technologist fit quiz and the Radiologic Technologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, MRI technologist or radiologic technologist?
MRI Technologists earn more at the median: $95,480 versus $80,110 for radiologic technologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Radiologic Technologists typically train faster (2 years) than MRI technologists (2–3 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects MRI technologists to grow +7.7% from 2025–35, compared with +5.0% for radiologic technologists.