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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Typical education: Associate degreeHigh pressure Bright Outlook

What they 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.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.

High pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $95,480 Median per year · $45.91/hr Most earn $68,890–$127,670

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
  • Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.
  • Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
  • Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
  • Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
  • Take brief medical histories from patients.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
8% more jobs by 2035, much faster than average · about 2,300 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • General medical and surgical hospitals58.9%
  • Medical and diagnostic laboratories16.7%
  • Offices of physicians13.6%
  • Specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals2.1%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Associate degreeExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

MRI technologist is usually not a first job out of school. Most people first train and work as a radiologic technologist for a year or two, then get MRI training and certification, so the whole path often takes about 3 to 4 years after high school.

  1. Associate degree in radiologic technology

    2 years

    You learn anatomy, patient care, and how imaging equipment works, along with hands-on clinical practice, which gives you the base skills every imaging job needs.

  2. Radiologic Technologist

    1-2 years

    You take X-ray and other imaging exams, build experience working with patients and equipment, and get the hospital or clinic experience that MRI employers usually expect.

  3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

    Ongoing

    You run MRI scanners, keep patients safe and comfortable (including giving contrast when ordered), check image quality, and enter patient data. Most people finish MRI-specific training and earn a certification along the way or soon after.

Where it can lead

  1. Lead MRI Technologist

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on more responsibility for training other technologists, checking scan quality across the team, and handling scheduling and equipment issues.

  2. MRI Supervisor

    5+ years of experience first

    You manage the MRI department's staff, budget, and daily operations, and you usually need strong leadership and communication skills along with deep clinical experience.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take biology, anatomy and physiology, and physicsThese classes build the science background you'll use in every radiologic technology program.
  • Take math and strong English classesImaging work requires accurate calculations, clear charting, and explaining procedures to patients in plain language.
  • Volunteer at a hospital, clinic, or nursing homeVolunteering shows you the healthcare setting and helps you get comfortable around patients and staff.
  • Get CPR and first aid certificationMany healthcare volunteer roles and training programs ask for it, and it shows you can respond in an emergency.
  • Join a health occupations or science clubClubs like these give you chances to meet professionals, learn about careers, and join competitions.

In college

  • Take anatomy and physiology, physics, and medical terminologyThese are the core prerequisites for radiologic technology programs and make the program's content easier to follow.
  • Get a starter job in patient care, such as a patient care technician or nursing assistantDirect patient contact builds the bedside skills and steadiness that MRI technologists use every day.
  • Apply to a radiologic technology associate degree programChoose a program accredited by a recognized radiology accrediting body, since that is what most employers and certification boards expect.
  • Shadow or volunteer in a radiology or MRI departmentSeeing MRI scans performed and talking with technologists helps you confirm your interest and prepares you for clinical rotations.
  • Join a health professions clubClubs connect you with peers, guest speakers, and networking events that can lead to internships and job leads.

Tips for getting started

  • Ask to shadow an MRI technologist or radiology department. Seeing the work up close will tell you whether the daily routine, including patient care and working with machines, feels right for you.
  • Pick a 2-year program that includes clinical practice in a hospital, and look at its job placement and certification pass rates before you apply.
  • Get CPR certification early and build comfort with people, since calming anxious patients is a big part of this job.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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