How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make?
The median magnetic resonance imaging technologist in the United States earns $95,480 per year, about $45.91 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 29-2035.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary range
Pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $68,890 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $127,670. The average (mean) wage of $96,120 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $68,890 | $33.12 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $81,040 | $38.96 | |
| Median (50th) | $95,480 | $45.91 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $106,340 | $51.12 | |
| 90th percentile | $127,670 | $61.38 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn the most in District of Columbia at $128,710 a year, and the least in Mississippi at $71,710. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $128,710 | 150 |
| California | $124,000 | 3,570 |
| Washington | $122,750 | 960 |
| Oregon | $121,920 | 510 |
| Alaska | $120,610 | 100 |
| Hawaii | $119,370 | 140 |
| New York | $113,270 | 3,240 |
| Massachusetts | $110,600 | 1,490 |
| Connecticut | $106,330 | 450 |
| New Hampshire | $105,420 | 270 |
| Colorado | $105,380 | 670 |
| Maryland | $105,230 | 770 |
| Rhode Island | $105,060 | 140 |
| New Jersey | $103,930 | 1,250 |
| Delaware | $103,510 | 170 |
| Vermont | $103,070 | 60 |
| Idaho | $101,680 | 170 |
| Minnesota | $100,900 | 710 |
| Arizona | $100,600 | 730 |
| Virginia | $98,640 | 1,070 |
| Nevada | $98,260 | 340 |
| Texas | $96,780 | 2,930 |
| Illinois | $95,380 | 2,760 |
| Wisconsin | $94,720 | 530 |
| Maine | $94,140 | 210 |
| Georgia | $92,060 | 1,800 |
| Wyoming | $92,010 | 70 |
| Utah | $91,150 | 300 |
| Pennsylvania | $91,120 | 2,250 |
| New Mexico | $87,850 | 140 |
| Ohio | $87,670 | 1,840 |
| Oklahoma | $87,480 | 400 |
| Montana | $86,950 | 150 |
| Indiana | $86,880 | 1,030 |
| North Carolina | $85,120 | 1,180 |
| Michigan | $84,620 | 1,270 |
| Florida | $84,330 | 2,860 |
| South Carolina | $83,550 | 730 |
| Missouri | $83,110 | 1,040 |
| Nebraska | $82,710 | 290 |
| Kansas | $82,670 | 330 |
| Kentucky | $82,200 | 650 |
| Iowa | $81,420 | 220 |
| North Dakota | $80,610 | 70 |
| West Virginia | $80,490 | 190 |
| Alabama | $78,890 | 490 |
| Arkansas | $78,780 | 380 |
| Tennessee | $78,610 | 1,350 |
| Louisiana | $77,510 | 510 |
| South Dakota | $77,010 | 210 |
| Mississippi | $71,710 | 250 |
State median wages for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for magnetic resonance imaging technologists
The BLS projects employment of magnetic resonance imaging technologists to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 43,900 jobs in 2025 moving toward 47,300 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 2,300 openings a year for magnetic resonance imaging technologists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist
The typical entry-level education for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is an associate's degree, according to the BLS. Most roles also expect less than 5 years of work experience in a related occupation.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a magnetic resonance imaging technologist earns
Specialty, work setting, shift differentials, certifications, and region drive the numbers. Hospitals, surgical settings, and high cost metros pay above clinics and rural facilities.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (District of Columbia, $128,710) and the lowest (Mississippi, $71,710) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 43,390 people work as magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the United States. At $95,480 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary FAQ
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is $45.91. The middle half of magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn between $38.96 and $51.12 per hour.
What is the highest magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more than $127,670 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a magnetic resonance imaging technologist make a year?
The median annual salary for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist is $95,480. The average (mean) wage of $96,120 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a magnetic resonance imaging technologist a well paid job?
At $95,480 a year, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 43,390 people work as magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the United States.
Which state pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists at $128,710 a year. California ($124,000) and Washington ($122,750) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a magnetic resonance imaging technologist a good career?
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. The BLS projects about 2,300 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for magnetic resonance imaging technologists as an associate's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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