---
title: "MRI Tech: How to Become an MRI Technologist"
description: "How to become an MRI tech: the primary route through radiography, direct MRI programs, ARRT credentials and May 2025 BLS median pay."
url: https://careerdirecting.com/careers/mri-technologist/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: CareerDirecting
---

Healthcare · MRI tech

# MRI technologist Advanced imaging, strong pay.

Healthcare career profile

MRI technologists run magnetic resonance imaging scanners to create detailed images of the body. Many start as radiology techs and add MRI; others train directly in an MRI program. Either way, it is one of the best-paid two-year paths in healthcare.

In short

MRI technologists usually earn an associate degree and an ARRT credential, either by training in radiography first and then adding MRI or through a direct MRI program. They screen patients for metal, position them and run scans. MRI technologists earned a median of $95,480 in May 2025, per BLS, with 7.7% growth projected to 2035.

**Job numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics** Updated October 9, 2026. Pay figures are national medians and are not a promise of what you will earn.

| Median pay | $95,480 a year, about $45.90 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Typical way in | Associate degree |
| Jobs in the U.S. | About 43,900 (2025) |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Projected growth of 7.7% |
| Openings each year | About 2,300 on average, including replacements |
| Credentials | ARRT MRI credential, primary or post-primary |
| Where they work | Hospitals, outpatient imaging centers |

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 and May 2025 wages, [BLS](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm). National figures; pay where you live can be higher or lower, and starting pay is lower than the median.

## What makes MRI different

MRI uses strong magnets, not radiation, so safety screening for implants and metal is critical. Scans are long, and patients may feel claustrophobic, so calm communication matters.

## Is it a small field?

Yes. BLS counts about 43,900 MRI technologists, with about 2,300 openings a year, far fewer than radiology techs. Many get in by working as an X-ray tech first.

## Questions people ask

### How long does it take to become an MRI tech?

About two years through a direct program, or longer if you start in radiography.

### Do MRI techs make more than X-ray techs?

Yes, MRI technologists have a higher national median.

### Is MRI work dangerous?

Not from radiation; the main risk is metal objects near the magnet, managed by strict safety rules.

## Sources

- [BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, Table 1.2 (occupational projections and worker characteristics)](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm)
- [BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Magnetic resonance imaging technologists](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm)
- [American Registry of Radiologic Technologists](https://www.arrt.org/)

## Where to go next

- [Radiology technician](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/radiology-technician/)
- [Ultrasound vs radiology tech](https://careerdirecting.com/compare/sonographer-vs-radiologic-technologist/)
- [Associate degree jobs](https://careerdirecting.com/jobs-without-a-degree/associate-degree-jobs/)
- [Careers](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/)
- [Barber](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/barber/)
- [Bookkeeper](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/bookkeeper/)
- [Cardiovascular technologist](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/cardiovascular-technologist/)
- [CNA](https://careerdirecting.com/careers/cna/)

---
Canonical page: https://careerdirecting.com/careers/mri-technologist/