MRI Technologist Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $124,140 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $121,737 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $113,728 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $110,524 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $105,719 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $104,117 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $102,515 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $100,112 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $97,710 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $92,104 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $92,104 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $91,303 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $89,701 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $88,099 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $88,099 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $86,497 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $84,094 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $84,094 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $81,692 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $81,692 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $80,090 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $80,090 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $79,289 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $79,289 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $78,488 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $76,086 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $76,086 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $74,484 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $74,484 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $74,484 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $73,683 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $73,683 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $72,882 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $72,081 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $70,479 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $70,479 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $70,479 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $70,479 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $70,479 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $70,479 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $69,678 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $69,678 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $69,678 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $68,877 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $68,076 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $68,076 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $67,276 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $66,475 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $66,475 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $64,072 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $62,470 | -22.0% | High |
A MRI Technologist's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level MRI Technologists typically earn $57,528–$68,722 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $93,909–$101,844 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The MRI Technologist role currently has high demand in the job market with a 3.5% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Healthcare sector.
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What is the average salary for a MRI Technologist?The average salary for a MRI Technologist in the United States is $80,090 per year, with a median of $77,360.
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What is the starting salary for a MRI Technologist?Entry-level MRI Technologists typically earn between $57,528 and $68,722 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays MRI Technologists the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay MRI Technologists the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a MRI Technologist make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $80,090, a MRI Technologist earns approximately $38.5 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is MRI Technologist a good career in 2026?Yes — the MRI Technologist role has high demand with 3.5% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.