💵 Salary Range (USA, 2025)
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Entry-level Minimum: ~$50,000–$60,000/year
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Typical Median: ~$83,740–$91,050/year (≈ $40–44/hr)
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Top-End Maximum: ~$99,000–$114,000+, especially in high-paying metro areas
- Highest paying cities: San Jose (
$140k), San Francisco ($136k), Seattle (~$117k)
- Highest paying cities: San Jose (
👨⚕️ What They Do
MRI Technologists—often called MRI Technicians—operate sophisticated MRI machines to create detailed medical images of patients' organs, tissues, and bones. These scans aid in diagnosing conditions like brain tumors, spinal injuries, and joint abnormalities. They:
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Prepare and position patients for scans (especially those who may be anxious or sensitive to confined spaces)
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Operate MRI equipment and instruct patients during the procedure
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Ensure image clarity and accuracy
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Maintain safety protocols and manage patient care under physician oversight
🎓 Education Requirements
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Primary Path:
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Associate degree in MRI or Radiologic Technology (~2 years)
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Certificate programs are available for ARRT-certified technologists
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Advanced Education:
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, potentially pushing salary to ~$97,500
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Accreditation by JRCERT or similar bodies is essential for program quality.
📜 Certification
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ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) MRI credential is the gold standard
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ARMRIT is another recognized credentialing body
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Typical requirements: accredited education, clinical hours, and a comprehensive exam
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Continuing education: ~24 CE credits every 2 years to maintain ARRT certification
🏛️ Licensing
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State licensing varies—required in states like New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, and West Virginia
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National certification (ARRT/ARMRIT) typically meets licensing prerequisites in most areas
📈 Career Outlook & Growth
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Job growth: ~6% (2022–2032), slightly above average
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Salary growth: wages rose ~12.5% between 2022 and 2024
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Advancement opportunities: Supervision, teaching, specialization in fields like pediatric or interventional MRI, or transition to management
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Top salaries in high-cost metro areas with extensive experience or advanced duties
✅ Final Takeaway
Becoming an MRI Technologist offers a rewarding career in healthcare imaging. With a solid educational foundation (associate or bachelor’s), ARRT certification, and potential state licensure, professionals can expect competitive salaries and career growth. Specialized skills and experience can take earnings past six figures, especially in major urban centers.