Healthcare practitioners
Magnetic resonance imaging technologist
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 pay
$95,480
Growth to 2035
+8%
faster than average
Openings a year
2,300
Time to qualify*
4 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Magnetic resonance imaging technologist
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Associate's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- Less than 5 years
Calculate your switch to magnetic resonance imaging technologist
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Magnetic resonance imaging technologist: 30% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
Also called: MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator) · MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator) · MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer) · MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist) · MRI Tech (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician) · MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist) · Research MRI Technologist (Research Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist)
Outlook and AI
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists held 43,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 47,300 by 2035 (+8%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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