LIVE MARKET·11,817 postings · last 180 days·Updated April 30, 2026

Mri Technologist salary: $75.03/hr$3,001/wk$156,062/yr median.

Pay range $70.08$2,803$145,766$80.30/hr$3,212/wk$167,024/yr across the middle 50% of active Radiology Allied Health Professional postings nationwide.

588 unique employers · 997 cities · 98 states. Pay moved -2.2% over the last 30 days.

Show pay as
Median /hr/wk/yr
$75.03$3,001$156,062
P25–P75
$70.08$2,803$145,766$80.30$3,212$167,024
middle 50%
Postings
11,817
21.1%
Coverage
98 states
588 employers
01·PAY DISTRIBUTION·P10 → P90

How Mri Technologist pay is distributed.

10% of postings pay under $46.50/hr$1,860/wk$96,720/yr. The top 10% pay above $84.35/hr$3,374/wk$175,448/yr.

P10
$46.50
P25
$70.08
P50
$75.03
P75
$80.30
P90
$84.35
P10
$46.50/hr$1,860/wk$96,720/yr
P25
$70.08/hr$2,803/wk$145,766/yr
P50 (median)
$75.03/hr$3,001/wk$156,062/yr
P75
$80.30/hr$3,212/wk$167,024/yr
P90
$84.35/hr$3,374/wk$175,448/yr
03·STATE BREAKDOWN·n=11,817

Mri Technologist pay across every state with live data.

01Alabama AL6 postings
$38.75/hr
02Alaska AK82 postings
$80.09/hr
03Arizona AZ97 postings
$70.11/hr
04Arkansas AR21 postings
$68.00/hr
05California CA406 postings
$72.40/hr
06Colorado CO140 postings
$48.50/hr
07Connecticut CT448 postings
$78.08/hr
08Delaware DE23 postings
$49.50/hr
09District Of Columbia DC14 postings
$55.00/hr
10Florida FL170 postings
$43.25/hr
11Georgia GA178 postings
$70.68/hr
12Hawaii HI24 postings
$74.87/hr
13Idaho ID26 postings
$71.03/hr
14Illinois IL290 postings
$70.00/hr
15Indiana IN37 postings
$71.40/hr
16Iowa IA174 postings
$71.63/hr
17Kansas KS97 postings
$70.88/hr
18Kentucky KY47 postings
$69.00/hr
19Louisiana LA47 postings
$71.03/hr
20Maine ME21 postings
$75.00/hr
21Maryland MD189 postings
$78.25/hr
22Massachusetts MA1,954 postings
$79.11/hr
23Michigan MI87 postings
$71.25/hr
24Minnesota MN327 postings
$73.10/hr
25Missouri MO109 postings
$70.00/hr
26Montana MT37 postings
$73.15/hr
27Nebraska NE269 postings
$77.05/hr
28Nevada NV9 postings
$52.00/hr
29New Hampshire NH387 postings
$80.67/hr
30New Jersey NJ304 postings
$75.00/hr
31New Mexico NM21 postings
$72.03/hr
32New York NY1,249 postings
$77.40/hr
33North Carolina NC170 postings
$69.09/hr
34North Dakota ND140 postings
$83.45/hr
35Ohio OH542 postings
$75.11/hr
36Oklahoma OK49 postings
$71.00/hr
37Oregon OR76 postings
$69.45/hr
38Pennsylvania PA859 postings
$74.50/hr
39Rhode Island RI73 postings
$84.20/hr
40South Carolina SC112 postings
$64.88/hr
41South Dakota SD74 postings
$78.17/hr
42Tennessee TN38 postings
$38.50/hr
43Texas TX168 postings
$45.75/hr
44Utah UT70 postings
$70.77/hr
45Vermont VT486 postings
$80.33/hr
46Virginia VA343 postings
$74.55/hr
47Washington WA476 postings
$73.09/hr
48West Virginia WV71 postings
$72.95/hr
49Wisconsin WI391 postings
$74.55/hr
50Wyoming WY34 postings
$83.63/hr

Showing all 50 states with live data. Bars scale to the highest-paying state.

04·TOP-PAYING CITIES·METROS WITH ACTIVE POSTINGS

The metros writing the biggest Mri Technologist paychecks.

CityStateMedian /hr/wk/yrP25–P75Postings
cambridgeMA · MASSACHUSETTS$95.05$3,802$197,704$95.05$3,802$197,704$95.05$3,802$197,70422
jacksonWY · WYOMING$88.11$3,524$183,269$84.61$3,384$175,989$91.75$3,670$190,84013
springfieldMA · MASSACHUSETTS$86.61$3,464$180,149$83.61$3,344$173,909$90.25$3,610$187,72047
providenceRI · RHODE ISLAND$86.38$3,455$179,670$83.95$3,358$174,616$87.93$3,517$182,89449
fairbanksAK · ALASKA$86.33$3,453$179,566$82.72$3,309$172,058$91.00$3,640$189,28025
05·EMPLOYER BREAKDOWN·TOP 20 BY PAY

Where the top of the market is paying for Mri Technologist.

EmployerMedian /hr/wk/yrRangePostings
$83.35$3,334$173,368$52.94$2,118$110,115$133.39$5,336$277,451565
alliance services, inc.$84.00$3,360$174,720$70.00$2,800$145,600$84.00$3,360$174,7207
amergis healthcare staffing$82.68$3,307$171,974$77.19$3,088$160,555$89.47$3,579$186,0985
compunnel healthcare$85.13$3,405$177,070$70.00$2,800$145,600$95.00$3,800$197,6008
curam staffing$90.04$3,602$187,283$69.08$2,763$143,686$102.92$4,117$214,07422
express healthcare staffing ny$89.10$3,564$185,328$73.10$2,924$152,048$95.15$3,806$197,91216
kpg allied$84.25$3,370$175,240$68.39$2,736$142,251$90.00$3,600$187,20017
pulse healthcare services$90.15$3,606$187,512$71.50$2,860$148,720$93.78$3,751$195,0627
smarter healthcare partners$86.00$3,440$178,880$79.88$3,195$166,150$93.00$3,720$193,44017
united staffing solutions$88.89$3,556$184,891$78.93$3,157$164,174$91.11$3,644$189,5095

Showing all 10 employers with live pay data.

06·SHIFT & CONTRACT MIX·PAY BY WORK PATTERN

How Mri Technologist pay shifts by schedule and contract type.

Staff Position pays the most at $80.47/hr$3,219/wk$167,378/yr median — 313% above Travel at $19.50/hr$780/wk$40,560/yr. Travel Contract drives the volume with 6,888 active postings.

BY SHIFT
Days
4,468 postings
$77.00/hr$3,080/wk$160,160/yr
Nights
2,183 postings
$77.15/hr$3,086/wk$160,472/yr
Not Specified
1,956 postings
$44.00/hr$1,760/wk$91,520/yr
Evenings
1,636 postings
$77.00/hr$3,080/wk$160,160/yr
Day
724 postings
$76.32/hr$3,053/wk$158,746/yr
Rotating
287 postings
$77.00/hr$3,080/wk$160,160/yr
Flexible
225 postings
$77.83/hr$3,113/wk$161,886/yr
Mids
155 postings
$73.00/hr$2,920/wk$151,840/yr
AM
52 postings
$74.80/hr$2,992/wk$155,584/yr
Variable
24 postings
$79.81/hr$3,192/wk$166,005/yr
Mid
22 postings
$84.73/hr$3,389/wk$176,238/yr
PM
21 postings
$76.15/hr$3,046/wk$158,392/yr
Night
18 postings
$74.38/hr$2,975/wk$154,710/yr
Evening
17 postings
$74.40/hr$2,976/wk$154,752/yr
Weekends
16 postings
$74.70/hr$2,988/wk$155,376/yr
Weekend
13 postings
$74.80/hr$2,992/wk$155,584/yr
BY JOB TYPE
Travel Contract
6,888 postings
$77.13/hr$3,085/wk$160,430/yr
Not Specified
2,452 postings
$75.72/hr$3,029/wk$157,498/yr
Fulltime
1,000 postings
$44.00/hr$1,760/wk$91,520/yr
Permanent
694 postings
$75.05/hr$3,002/wk$156,104/yr
Parttime
411 postings
$45.50/hr$1,820/wk$94,640/yr
Per Diem
221 postings
$49.50/hr$1,980/wk$102,960/yr
PRN
100 postings
$41.00/hr$1,640/wk$85,280/yr
Contract
21 postings
$58.00/hr$2,320/wk$120,640/yr
Staff Position
7 postings
$80.47/hr$3,219/wk$167,378/yr
Temporary
7 postings
$39.00/hr$1,560/wk$81,120/yr
Travel
6 postings
$19.50/hr$780/wk$40,560/yr
Local Contract
4 postings
$65.06/hr$2,602/wk$135,325/yr
08·HOW TO BECOME·CAREER PATHWAY

How to become a Mri Technologist.

MRI Technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging equipment to create detailed images of patients' internal structures for diagnostic purposes.

Education·Min: Associate's · Preferred: Bachelor's

Most MRI techs start as radiologic technologists (ARRT-R), gain imaging experience, then complete MRI-specific training and earn ARRT(MR) certification.

DegreeDurationNotes
Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology + MRI TrainingAAS-RT + MRI2-3 years totalMost common pathway: radiography degree followed by MRI-specific training program.
Bachelor of Science in Radiologic SciencesBSRS4 yearsComprehensive degree with MRI concentration. Preferred for leadership roles.
MRI Certificate ProgramMRI Certificate12-18 monthsPost-primary training for ARRT-registered techs to specialize in MRI.
Licenses & Exams·3 credentials
State LicenseRadiologic Technologist LicenseRequired
Issued by: State Radiologic Health Branch

Most states require licensure for MRI techs. Requirements vary by state.

ARRT (R)Registered Radiologic TechnologistOptional
Exam: ARRT Radiography Exam · Issued by: ARRT

Primary radiography certification. Traditional pathway to MRI certification.

BLSBasic Life SupportRequired
Issued by: American Heart Association

CPR certification required for patient care settings.

Optional Certifications·Pay boost where known
CredentialIssued byPay impact
ARRT (MR)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Certification
Primary certification for MRI technologists. Can be obtained as post-primary certification or through primary pathway.
ARRTRequired for most positions
ARMRIT
MRI Technologist Certification
Alternative MRI certification for those without radiography background. Accepted in many states.
ARMRITAlternative certification
ARRT (CT)
Computed Tomography Certification
CT certification for dual-modality capability. MRI/CT techs command premium pay.
ARRT+10-20% (dual modality)
CMRT
Certified MRI Technologist
Alternative certification pathway focusing specifically on MRI competencies.
ABMRSSpecialty credential
Career Path·6 steps
  1. 0-2 years
    Radiologic Technologist (X-ray)

    Foundation imaging experience before MRI specialization.

  2. 2-5 years
    MRI Technologist

    ARRT(MR) certified tech performing routine and complex MRI examinations.

  3. 5-8 years
    Senior MRI Technologist

    Expert-level tech handling challenging cases, training staff, and optimizing protocols.

  4. 8-12 years
    MRI Lead / Supervisor

    Oversees MRI operations, scheduling, quality assurance, and staff coordination.

  5. 12+ years
    Imaging Manager / Director

    Management of radiology department operations. Bachelor's or master's preferred.

  6. 10+ years
    MRI Applications Specialist

    Vendor role training facilities on MRI equipment. Excellent compensation with travel.

Work Environment
Hospital radiology departmentsOutpatient imaging centersMobile MRI unitsResearch facilitiesSpecialty imaging centersOrthopedic clinics

Schedule. Varies by setting. Outpatient typically weekday shifts. Hospitals require evening, night, and on-call coverage. MRI scans are quieter and more controlled than other imaging.

Physical demands. Moderate demands. Patient positioning, safety screening, and monitoring. MRI environment requires understanding of magnetic field hazards and screening protocols.

Job Outlook·Strong
6% (2022-2032)

MRI utilization continues to grow with advancing technology. Multi-modality techs (MRI+CT) are in highest demand. Travel MRI positions pay $2,500-4,000+/week.

FAQ — Becoming this role·4 questions
Can you become an MRI tech without being an X-ray tech first?

Yes, through ARRT primary pathway or ARMRIT certification. However, most MRI techs start with radiography background as it's the traditional pathway.

Is MRI technologist dangerous?

MRI uses magnetic fields, not radiation. The main hazards are projectile risks (metal objects) and patient safety screening. Proper training makes it safe. Some concern exists about long-term magnetic field exposure.

How long does it take to become an MRI tech?

Typically 3-4 years: 2-year radiography program, 1-2 years experience, then 12-18 month MRI training. Direct MRI pathways may be shorter but are less common.

Is MRI or CT better for career?

Both are excellent. CT has higher volume and faster pace. MRI has more complex imaging and typically higher pay. Best option is dual-certification in both modalities.

09·FREQUENTLY ASKED·MRI TECHNOLOGIST

What clinicians ask about Mri Technologist pay.

What is the average Mri Technologist salary in 2026?

The median Mri Technologist salary is $75.03/hr (approximately $156,062/yr) based on 11,817 active job postings.

What is the pay range for Mri Technologist?

Hourly pay ranges from $70.08 at the 25th percentile to $80.30 at the 75th percentile, with the top 10% earning above $84.35/hr.

Which state pays Mri Technologist roles the most?

Alabama currently leads with a median of $38.75/hr across 6 postings.

How many employers are hiring Mri Technologists?

Our dataset shows 588 unique employers posting Mri Technologist roles across 98 states.

Where does TrueRounds get Mri Technologist salary data?

All salary figures are computed from active US healthcare job postings with listed pay ranges, collected over a rolling 180-day window and weighted by posting volume.

11·METHODOLOGY·HOW WE BUILD THESE NUMBERS

Active US healthcare postings. Weighted by volume. Refreshed daily.

Pay benchmarks are computed from active job postings with listed pay ranges, collected on a rolling 180-day window. Each role's percentiles are weighted by posting volume so a metro with two postings doesn't outweigh a metro with two hundred. Outliers (postings priced more than 4× the role median) are dropped to avoid contract-line distortion.

Use the data, then push back.

Bring these numbers into your next contract conversation. Recruiters know what the market pays — now you do too.