Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists earn a median $95,480 a year nationally. Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
What magnetic resonance imaging technologists 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.
- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +7.7% (faster than average)
- Openings per year
- 2,300
Employment of magnetic resonance imaging technologists is projected to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 2,300 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$12,176
- Social Security (6.2%)$5,920
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,384
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$76,000
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $68,890 | $33.12 | $57,294 |
| 25th percentile | $81,040 | $38.96 | $65,842 |
| Median (50th) | $95,480 | $45.90 | $76,000 |
| 75th percentile | $106,340 | $51.13 | $83,640 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,670 | $61.38 | $98,528 |
Best cities for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $118,360 | $86,153 | $76,538 | 3,020 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- New York, NY — $118,360
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $128,710 | +15.7% | $91,267 | $89,120 – $134,950 | 150 |
| California | $124,000 | +1.2% | $87,106 | $74,360 – $174,030 | 3,570 |
| Washington | $122,750 | +7.3% | $95,166 | $78,350 – $160,320 | 960 |
| Oregon | $121,920 | +10.7% | $84,760 | $99,110 – $131,680 | 510 |
| Alaska | $120,610 | +17.5% | $93,679 | $96,180 – $127,010 | 100 |
| Hawaii | $119,370 | −2.2% | $85,265 | $62,120 – $130,040 | 140 |
| New York | $113,270 | +8.1% | $82,873 | $81,180 – $133,420 | 3,240 |
| Massachusetts | $110,600 | +5.9% | $81,327 | $62,360 – $146,880 | 1,490 |
| Connecticut | $106,330 | +4.8% | $79,360 | $81,030 – $130,960 | 450 |
| New Hampshire | $105,420 | +3.8% | $82,993 | $79,800 – $119,030 | 270 |
| Colorado | $105,380 | +4.8% | $79,037 | $84,460 – $122,980 | 670 |
| Maryland | $105,230 | +2.4% | $78,225 | $86,430 – $123,230 | 770 |
| Rhode Island | $105,060 | +0.9% | $79,351 | $83,770 – $130,820 | 140 |
| New Jersey | $103,930 | +4.3% | $77,514 | $80,850 – $130,800 | 1,250 |
| Delaware | $103,510 | −2.4% | $76,159 | $80,350 – $117,110 | 170 |
| Vermont | $103,070 | +3.7% | $76,997 | $83,340 – $132,270 | 60 |
| Idaho | $101,680 | −0.4% | $76,081 | $82,820 – $124,470 | 170 |
| Minnesota | $100,900 | +1.2% | $74,475 | $83,200 – $111,600 | 710 |
| Arizona | $100,600 | +3.5% | $77,296 | $81,380 – $123,040 | 730 |
| Virginia | $98,640 | +3.5% | $73,366 | $78,400 – $121,940 | 1,070 |
| Nevada | $98,260 | −0.7% | $77,956 | $84,610 – $124,120 | 340 |
| Texas | $96,780 | +7.4% | $76,915 | $76,920 – $114,160 | 2,930 |
| Illinois | $95,380 | +8.8% | $71,353 | $77,410 – $109,550 | 2,760 |
| Wisconsin | $94,720 | +9.2% | $71,826 | $76,140 – $105,410 | 530 |
| Maine | $94,140 | +9.0% | $69,822 | $78,610 – $108,470 | 210 |
| Georgia | $92,060 | +5.6% | $69,439 | $63,970 – $109,200 | 1,800 |
| Wyoming | $92,010 | +4.0% | $73,559 | $67,170 – $105,660 | 70 |
| Utah | $91,150 | +5.2% | $69,818 | $80,920 – $109,830 | 300 |
| Pennsylvania | $91,120 | +9.0% | $70,136 | $51,280 – $107,990 | 2,250 |
| New Mexico | $87,850 | −0.8% | $67,659 | $75,030 – $99,550 | 140 |
| Ohio | $87,670 | +8.2% | $68,877 | $74,310 – $101,860 | 1,840 |
| Oklahoma | $87,480 | +5.6% | $66,981 | $76,950 – $101,680 | 400 |
| Montana | $86,950 | +4.0% | $66,448 | $72,030 – $101,020 | 150 |
| Indiana | $86,880 | +4.7% | $67,417 | $64,300 – $102,690 | 1,030 |
| North Carolina | $85,120 | +2.0% | $65,824 | $63,940 – $101,240 | 1,180 |
| Michigan | $84,620 | +3.5% | $65,015 | $73,130 – $96,700 | 1,270 |
| Florida | $84,330 | +4.5% | $68,156 | $65,000 – $102,610 | 2,860 |
| South Carolina | $83,550 | +3.3% | $63,752 | $65,980 – $96,230 | 730 |
| Missouri | $83,110 | +3.3% | $64,329 | $65,400 – $99,130 | 1,040 |
| Nebraska | $82,710 | +4.2% | $64,133 | $66,960 – $101,070 | 290 |
| Kansas | $82,670 | +5.2% | $63,175 | $65,890 – $102,490 | 330 |
| Kentucky | $82,200 | +1.6% | $63,898 | $66,170 – $101,760 | 650 |
| Iowa | $81,420 | +6.7% | $63,667 | $64,290 – $98,780 | 220 |
| North Dakota | $80,610 | +4.6% | $65,226 | $69,180 – $95,800 | 70 |
| West Virginia | $80,490 | −3.8% | $62,510 | $65,390 – $97,840 | 190 |
| Alabama | $78,890 | +5.3% | $60,650 | $60,560 – $96,880 | 490 |
| Arkansas | $78,780 | +7.5% | $61,392 | $61,910 – $97,570 | 380 |
| Tennessee | $78,610 | +1.3% | $64,132 | $62,310 – $97,870 | 1,350 |
| Louisiana | $77,510 | +8.1% | $61,419 | $50,830 – $99,060 | 510 |
| South Dakota | $77,010 | +15.2% | $63,007 | $51,160 – $97,660 | 210 |
| Mississippi | $71,710 | −1.3% | $57,142 | $54,080 – $82,730 | 250 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $96,590 | Associate's degree | +13.9% |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | $101,370 | Associate's degree | +4.4% |
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician | $80,110 | Associate's degree | +5.0% |
| Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician | $74,310 | Associate's degree | +3.7% |
| Medical Dosimetrist | $147,470 | Bachelor's degree | +5.0% |
| Orthotist and Prosthetist | $81,110 | Master's degree | +12.9% |
| Hearing Aid Specialist | $65,160 | High school diploma or equivalent | +19.4% |
| Surgical Technologist | $64,650 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +5.0% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $64,400 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +3.0% |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technician | $62,930 | Bachelor's degree | +2.7% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make?
The national median salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is $95,480 a year ($45.90 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $68,890 and the top 10% earn over $127,670. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay at $128,710. After taxes and local prices, New York, NY offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
How many magnetic resonance imaging technologists are there in the U.S.?
About 43,390 people work as magnetic resonance imaging technologists nationwide.