### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Radiologic and MRI Technologists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			radiologic technologists imageRadiologic and MRI technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as magnetic resonance, on patients.							
						Quick Facts:     Radiologic and MRI Technologists2023     Median Pay
            						$76,020     per year
										$36.55     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Associate's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    See How to Become OneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    264,100Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    6% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    15,400What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Radiologic and MRI technologists work in healthcare facilities, and more than half work in hospitals. Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time.
            
                                                How to Become a Radiologic or MRI Technologist
                                                
                        
Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. MRI technologists also typically need several years of related work experience. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $83,740 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $73,410 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow							 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 15,700 openings for radiologic and MRI technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for radiologic and MRI technologists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of radiologic and MRI technologists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about radiologic and MRI technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do 
            

			Radiologic technologists.Radiologic technologists specialize in x-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging.			
Radiologic technologists, also known as *radiographers*, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
Duties
Radiologic and MRI technologists typically do the following:
Adjust and maintain imaging equipment
Follow precise orders from physicians on what areas of the body to image
Prepare patients for procedures, including taking a medical history and shielding exposed areas that do not need to be imaged
Position the patient and the equipment in order to get the correct image
Operate the computerized equipment to take the images
Work with physicians to evaluate the images and to determine whether additional images need to be taken
Keep detailed patient recordsRadiologic technologists are trained in the use of different types of medical diagnostic equipment. They may choose to specialize, such as in x-ray, mammography, or computed tomography (CT) imaging. Some radiologic technologists provide a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be viewed on the images that the radiologist reviews.
MRI technologists specialize in magnetic resonance imaging scanners. They inject patients with contrast media, such as a dye, so that the images will show up on the scanner. The scanners use magnetic fields in combination with the contrast agent to produce images that a physician can use to diagnose medical problems.
For information about healthcare workers who specialize in other diagnostic equipment, see the profiles for nuclear medicine technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists.
 Work Environment
			Radiologic technologistsRadiologic and MRI technologists work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Magnetic resonance imaging technologists held about 41,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of magnetic resonance imaging technologists were as follows:
        Hospitals; state, local, and private
                56%Medical and diagnostic laboratories
                18Offices of physicians
                14Outpatient care centers
                3Radiologic technologists and technicians held about 222,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of radiologic technologists and technicians were as follows:
        Hospitals; state, local, and private
                58%Offices of physicians
                18Medical and diagnostic laboratories
                7Outpatient care centers
                7Federal government, excluding postal service
                3Radiologic and MRI technologists are often on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients, such as to help those who are injured.
Injuries and Illnesses
Like other healthcare workers, radiologic and MRI technologists may be exposed to infectious diseases. In addition, because radiologic technologists work with imaging equipment that uses radiation, they must wear badges that measure radiation levels in the radiation area. Detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose. Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of protective lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices and by the badges that monitor exposure to radiation.
Work Schedules
Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight.
 How to Become a Radiologic or MRI Technologist

			Radiologic technologists.Radiologic technologists must follow instructions exactly to get the images needed for diagnoses.			
Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. MRI technologists may start out as radiologic technologists. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.
Education
High school students who are interested in radiologic or MRI technology should take courses that focus on math and science, such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics.
An associate’s degree is the education typically required for radiologic and MRI technologists. There also are postsecondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelor’s degrees in healthcare and related fields and science technologies. Depending on the field of degree, education programs may include both academic study and clinical work. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography and magnetic resonance, and the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) accredits MRI programs. Some states require candidates for licensure to complete an accredited program.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
MRI technologists typically need less than 5 years of experience in a related occupation, most often from working as a radiologic technologist.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified. Few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Requirements vary by state.
To become licensed, technologists usually must graduate from an accredited program and either pass a certification exam from the state or obtain certification from a credentialing organization. Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties. Certifications for radiologic technologists are available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certification for MRI technologists is available from the ARRT and from the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT). For specific licensure requirements for radiologic technologists and MRI technologists, contact the state’s health board.
Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it. Employers also may require or prefer that prospective technologists have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS).
Important Qualities
***Detail oriented.*** Radiologic and MRI technologists must follow instructions exactly to get the images needed for diagnoses.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Radiologic and MRI technologists work closely with patients who may be stressed or in pain. They must put patients at ease to get usable images.
***Math skills.*** Radiologic and MRI technologists may need to calculate the proper amount of radiation or magnetic resonance emitted in imaging procedures.
***Physical stamina.*** Radiologic and MRI technologists often work on their feet for long periods during their shift and must be able to lift and move patients who need help.
***Technical skills.*** Radiologic and MRI technologists must understand how to operate complex machinery.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Radiologic and MRI TechnologistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Magnetic resonance imaging technologists$83,740  Radiologic and MRI technologists$76,020  Radiologic technologists and technicians$73,410  Health technologists and technicians$51,250  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $83,740 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $112,420.The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $73,410 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,380.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Outpatient care centers
                $125,470Hospitals; state, local, and private
                84,440Medical and diagnostic laboratories
                83,160Offices of physicians
                81,760In May 2023, the median annual wages for radiologic technologists and technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Federal government, excluding postal service
                $85,220Outpatient care centers
                78,480Hospitals; state, local, and private
                75,930Medical and diagnostic laboratories
                75,210Offices of physicians
                62,240Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                        Radiologic and MRI TechnologistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Magnetic resonance imaging technologists8%  Health technologists and technicians7%  Radiologic and MRI technologists6%  Radiologic technologists and technicians5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow				 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 15,700 openings for radiologic and MRI technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
The growing size of the older population and the rising prevalence of chronic disease will lead to greater demand for healthcare services, including diagnostic procedures. More radiologic and MRI technologists will be needed to perform the imaging exams that are essential for making diagnoses and creating treatment plans.
Falls and associated injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, are common in older people and require x rays or computed tomography (CT) scans to assess the extent of harm. In addition, MRI scans are useful for imaging various types of cancers, including of the brain, spine, and liver. As the number of falls and cancer cases rises, these technologists and technicians will be needed to operate the equipment that helps detect, assess, and diagnose these injuries and diseases.
			

                        Employment projections data for     radiologic and MRI technologists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Radiologic and MRI technologists**
			—
			264,100
			279,600
			6
			15,400
			—**Radiologic technologists and technicians**
			29-2034
			222,800
			235,000
			5
			12,200
			Get data**Magnetic resonance imaging technologists**
			29-2035
			41,400
			44,600
			8
			3,200
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Magnetic resonance imaging technologists
					Radiologic technologists and technicians **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of radiologic and MRI technologists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians**
            Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate special equipment to create images or to conduct tests.
            Associate's degree
            $80,850**Medical Dosimetrists**
            Medical dosimetrists calculate doses of radiation and design and oversee treatment plans for patients with cancer and other serious diseases.
            Bachelor's degree
            $132,880**Nuclear Medicine Technologists**
            Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment.
            Associate's degree
            $92,500**Radiation Therapists**
            Radiation therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.
            Associate's degree
            $98,300**Veterinary Technologists and Technicians**
            Veterinary technologists and technicians do medical tests that help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses.
            Associate's degree
            $43,740
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about radiologic and MRI technology, visit
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
CareerOneStop
For career videos on radiologic and MRI technologists, visit
Radiologic Technologists
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Magnetic Resonance Imaging TechnologistsRadiologic Technologists and Technicians
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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