How to become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

Official title: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Also called: MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator), MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator), MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer), MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist), MRI Tech (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician), MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist), Research MRI Technologist (Research Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist)

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.

Main tasks

• Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
• Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
• Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
• Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
• 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.
• Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.

How to become one

Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate's degree. MRI technologists also typically need several years of related work experience. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.

Typical education to start: Associate's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tech.
• Certificate or associate's degree: Associate's degree. Programs such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $95,480 a year The middle half earn $81,040 to $106,340.
• About 43,900 people work in this job now, and about 47,300 are projected by 2035. (+7.7%)
• People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Related jobs

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
• Medical Dosimetrists

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?

Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate's degree. MRI technologists also typically need several years of related work experience. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.

How much does a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $95,480 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $81,040 to $106,340.

Is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 43,900 to about 47,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?

Not always. 51% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Associate's degree; Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tech.

Will AI change the work of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.