Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
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.
Also called: Imaging Technologist, MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator), MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator), MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer), MRI Special Procedures Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Special Procedures Technologist), MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist)
Median pay
$95,480
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$68,890 – $127,670
People employed
43,390
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Do you want the same hours every week?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists salary in every state →
What magnetic resonance imaging technologists do
- 01Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
- 02Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- 03Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- 04Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
- 05Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- 06Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Medicine and Dentistry
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from magnetic resonance imaging technologists
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- Respiratory Therapists83% · −14%
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians73% · group pay
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Change into magnetic resonance imaging technologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Radiation Therapists85% · $105,310
- Respiratory Therapists79% · $82,280
- Surgical Assistants78% · $66,800
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians73% · $110,240
- Phlebotomists73% · $45,230
Majors that lead here
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.