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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.

Median salary (BLS)

$95,480

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$69k – $128k

Job outlook

+7% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $93,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$8,200–$23,000

Time to qualify

2.2 yr

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    National & state licensure

    License

    A national board/registry exam plus a state license application (the NCLEX pattern). Exact exam and fees depend on the role and state.

    $200–$1,000 · 2 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

    Entry / Junior

    $68,890

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

    Established

    $95,480

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

    Senior

    $111,575

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.