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MRI Technologist I Salary in the United States

How much does an MRI Technologist I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an MRI Technologist I in the United States is $97,384 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.

However, an MRI Technologist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $109,173
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $89,223 to $103,555
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $81,793
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence MRI Technologist I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects MRI Technologist I Salaries?

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:

  • MRI Technologist I (0-1 years): $97,384
  • MRI Technologist II (1-3 years): $107,033
  • MRI Technologist III (3-5 years): $121,628
  • Chief MRI Technologist (5+ years): $97,645
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
MRI Technologist I0-1 years$97,384
MRI Technologist II1-3 years$107,033
MRI Technologist III3-5 years$121,628
Chief MRI Technologist5+ years$97,645
View as Graph

How Do MRI Technologist I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $107,824.
  • California: $107,415.
  • Massachusetts: $105,983.

Top Paying Cities for MRI Technologist Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $122,830
  • San Francisco: $121,486
  • Oakland: $118,925

What Skills Can Increase an MRI Technologist I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 1.36% Job Postings): 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 (Mentioned in 2.47% Job Postings): 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 (Mentioned in 1.05% Job Postings): Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 1.36%
Radiologic Technology 2.47%
Pediatric 1.05%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an MRI Technologist I's salary.

  • Integrity: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Quality Control: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Integrity $106,149
9%
Quality Control $104,201
7%
Collaboration $103,227
6%
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MRI Technologist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $103,362. While startup companies pay approximate $88,022.

MRI Technologist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $88,022
Growth Stage 51~500 $92,941
Established 501~5000 $99,960
Enterprise 5000+ $103,362

MRI Technologist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industry for an MRI Technologist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$116,861$56.020%

MRI Technologist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$89,223
Average $97,384/year
$103,555
$7,435
Average $8,115/month
$8,630
$1,716
Average $1,873/week
$1,991
$43
Average $47/hour
$50
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $103,555 $8,630 $1,991 $50
Average $97,384 $8,115 $1,873 $47
25th Percentile $89,223 $7,435 $1,716 $43

MRI Technologist I Salary Growth & Career Path

MRI Technologist I

Next Role

Advancement

For an MRI Technologist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the MRI Technologist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $107,033 - a projected growth of 10% over your current level.

Most common benefits for MRI Technologist I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for MRI Technologist I

Here are companies hiring for MRI Technologist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about MRI Technologist I

1. Where can an MRI Technologist I earn the most?

An MRI Technologist I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an MRI Technologist I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an MRI Technologist I is $122,830.

2. What is the highest pay for MRI Technologist I?

The highest pay for MRI Technologist I is $109,173.

3. What is the lowest pay for MRI Technologist I?

The lowest pay for MRI Technologist I is $81,793.

4. What are the responsibilities of MRI Technologist I?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for MRI Technologist I?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for MRI Technologist I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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