As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an MRI Technologist I in the United States is $47, which translates to an annual salary of about $97,353.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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An MRI Technologist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an MRI Technologist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| MRI Technologist I | 0-1 years | $97,353 |
| MRI Technologist II | 1-3 years | $107,002 |
| MRI Technologist III | 3-5 years | $121,579 |
| Chief MRI Technologist | 5+ years | $97,662 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract MRI Technologist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 1.36% |
| Radiologic Technology | 2.47% |
| Pediatric | 1.05% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrity
|
$106,115 |
9%
|
|
Quality Control
|
$104,168 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$103,194 |
6%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$100,274 |
3%
|
|
Diagnostic Imaging
|
$100,274 |
3%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$100,274 |
3%
|
MRI Technologist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $103,397. While startup companies pay approximate $88,065.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $88,065 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $92,974 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $100,021 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $103,397 |
For MRI Technologist I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, MRI Technologist positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view MRI Technologist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $116,824 | $56.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an MRI Technologist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for an MRI Technologist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,815 in 2023 to around $63,771 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of MRI Technologist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,815 |
| 2024 | $65,429 |
| 2025 | $63,771 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for MRI Technologist I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Operates a magnetic resonance scanner to obtain images used in the diagnosis and treatment of patient pathologies. Uses knowledge of imaging techniques and cross-sectional anatomy to create high quality images for interpretation by radiologists and other medical professionals. Modifies technical settings and adjusts scanning parameters to enhance images and minimize unnecessary exposure. Performs routine inspections and maintenance on scanner and archives imaging data. Typically requires an associate degree in a related area. Requires ARRT certification. Typically requires State License based on Clinical Specialty. Typically reports to a chief technologist or manager. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Commitment: An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
Radiologic Technology: Radiologic Technology or Radiography, or X-Ray as it may also be referred, is the art and science of using radiation to provide images of the bones, organs, soft tissue and vessels that comprise the human body.
Pediatric: Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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