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.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
SOC: 29-2035 O*NET: 29-2035.00
Median Salary
$88,180
per year
Job Growth
🚀 7.1%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$64,910
10th percentile
Early Career
$78,150
25th percentile
Median
$88,180
50th percentile
Experienced
$102,440
75th percentile
Top Earners
$121,420
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$64,910
25th
$78,150
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$88,180
Mean: $91,020
75th
$102,440
90th
$121,420
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $56,510 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $78,150 and $102,440
- •Salary spread is 27.5% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 41,530 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:44,100
Top Industries
Hospitals52.8%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals51.6%
Ambulatory Health Care Services35.2%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+7.1%
Annual Openings:2,600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)44,100
Current
2034 (Projected)47,200
+7.1%
+3,100
Employment Change
+7.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
3,220 jobs$122,4700.66x
Florida
3,220 jobs$80,6801.22x
New York
3,030 jobs$104,7401.18x
Illinois
2,790 jobs$87,6301.71x
Texas
2,340 jobs$90,0900.63x
Pennsylvania
2,060 jobs$83,5601.27x
Ohio
1,610 jobs$81,0301.08x
Georgia
1,430 jobs$87,1701.10x
Massachusetts
1,420 jobs$104,4301.44x
Michigan
1,360 jobs$81,7901.15x
Missouri
1,360 jobs$80,4901.73x
New Jersey
1,290 jobs$99,6601.13x
North Carolina
1,160 jobs$83,4500.88x
Virginia
1,140 jobs$95,3001.04x
Tennessee
950 jobs$77,6101.08x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Operations Monitoring
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Operation and Control
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Active Learning
46%
#10
Writing
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Writing
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Commercial Pilots82%
5 shared skills
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers82%
5 shared skills
Validation Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Locomotive Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Nuclear Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Critical Thinking
- →Operation and Control
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
eClinicalWorks EHR software
🔥 Hot TechMEDITECH software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
eClinicalWorks EHR software
MEDITECH software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (14)Training & Development (2)Planning & Development (1)Operations & Execution (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient's finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development94% perform96%
4
Connect physiological leads to physiological acquisition control (PAC) units.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Develop or otherwise produce film records of magnetic resonance images.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value achievement
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.83
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.70
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.65
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.35
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.26
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.17
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.8
Concern for Others
4.7
Dependability
4.7
Integrity
4.3
Self-Control
4.3
Independence
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.2
Cooperation
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists.
Browse Training Programs →