MRI Technician Salary
MRI Technician salaries vary depending on your level of experience, geographic location, and type of employer. Since MRI Tech's usually require additional training above and beyond the standard RT curriculum, they possess a greater level of knowledge and specialization. Because of this finer degree of specialization and skill, MRI tech salary tends to be higher than Radiologic Tech's or X-Ray Tech's. The median national average salary for MRI Technicians is $61,928, which is about $10,000 on average higher than a standard RT. Keep in mind that most MRI tech's were RT's for a time, then received additional training, usually in the form of a certificate program.
MRI Tech Salary At A Glance
| Radiology job | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRI Technician | $48,371 | $61,928 | $83,638 |
MRI Technician Salary Compared to Related Healthcare Positions
Below you will see that MRI Technologist salary is generally higher than other related fields in the allied health professions; however Ultrasound Tech's are in a similar scale and this is due to the greater level of specialization and skill required to perform these job functions. Keep in mind that those at the lower end of the scale are most likely entry level employees, while those at the top usually have a greater amount of tenure and experience or live in a geographic region will a higher standard of living and wage scale.
| Position | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRI Technician | $48,371 | $61,928 | $83,638 |
| Ultrasound Technician | $40,960 | $67,670 | $77,520 |
| Radiologic Technologist | $41,612 | $52,336 | $81,136 |
| Medical Asst w/ Limited X-Ray | $29,000 | $38,000 | $47,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $24,315 | $26,717 | $29,120 |
MRI Salaries In Major Metro Areas
The following table is a sample of average annual MRI Tech salaries in major metropolitan areas of the country. As usual, the New York and Los Angeles metro areas tend to pay the highest salaries. The MRI salary in Texas is considered high in relation to the cost of living in that region.
Metro Area |
Average MRI Salary |
|---|---|
New York, NY |
$95,000 |
Los Angeles, CA |
$75,000 |
Houston, TX |
$74,000 |
Tampa, FL |
$68,000 |
Philadelphia, PA |
$71,000 |
Finding Schools Offering MRI Programs
In order to be eligible for an MRI program, you will first need to complete an associates degree and become a certified Radiologic Technologist. MRI Tech's are a branch of radiology with a concentration on the specific skills and techniques associated with Magnetic Resonance Technology. The usual path is to complete the Rad Tech program, then, in addition, complete a MRI certificate program. Visit our radiology schools page to see a full list of schools offering medical imaging degrees and certificates.