Growth in demand for MRI technologists is steady all over the world. The role of the competent MRI techs in hospitals, diagnostic centres, and research centres is also on the increase due to the development of medical imaging technology. This career not only provides stability and employment security but also competitive remuneration with career growth in 2025.
You may be considering entering the medical imaging profession or already have a career in the health care sector, but can you say you are informed about the new MRI technology salary trends?
In this guide, the average earnings, salary differences by the state, experience, work setting, or even international pay scales are broken down so that you can see precisely what to expect in 2025.
Average MRI Tech Salary (2025): National Median and Typical Pay Ranges
In 2025, MRI technologists in the United States are earning a strong and competitive wage. According to the latest industry data and labor statistics:
- Average national salary: $87,420 per year
- Median hourly wage: $42.03 per hour
- Typical pay range: $68,500 – $109,800 annually, depending on location, experience, and certifications.
MRI techs are considered high-demand healthcare professionals, which directly impacts their pay scale. Entry-level technologists with less than 1 year of experience can expect to earn around $62,000 annually, while senior MRI technologists with 10+ years in the field often make over $110,000 per year.
The strong salary growth is driven by:
- Expanding use of MRI scans in diagnostics.
- Technological advancements are increasing efficiency and demand.
- Workforce shortages in some states, driving higher pay offers.
This makes 2025 one of the best years to pursue or grow a career in MRI technology, with plenty of opportunities to earn above-average wages. In the next sections, we’ll break down exactly how pay varies by setting, state, and skill level.
MRI Technologist Pay by Setting: Hospital, Outpatient, and Private Clinic Differences
Where an MRI tech works in 2025 plays a huge role in how much they earn. The medical imaging industry has diversified beyond hospitals, and salary levels reflect the demand, patient volume, and complexity of each work environment.
Here’s a breakdown of average annual salaries by workplace:
- Large hospitals: $90,600/year — Hospitals remain the biggest employers of MRI techs. They typically offer higher pay because of night shifts, complex cases, and a steady flow of patients.
- Outpatient imaging centers: $83,200/year — These facilities focus on scheduled scans. While the work pace is more predictable, the pay is slightly lower than in hospitals.
- Private clinics & physician offices: $76,500/year — Smaller practices often offer lower salaries but may provide better work-life balance, fewer emergency shifts, and strong job stability.
- Research and academic institutions: $88,400/year — Techs in this setting may earn well due to specialized studies and advanced equipment handling.
Shift differentials and overtime pay can also boost annual earnings significantly. MRI techs who work weekends, overnight shifts, or on-call rotations often increase their income by $5,000 to $15,000 per year.
This means the highest-paid MRI technologists often work in high-volume hospitals or specialty centers with more complex procedures and flexible shift opportunities.
Pay Variation by State (U.S.) & Top-Paying Regions for MRI Techs in 2025
One of the biggest factors affecting MRI tech salary in 2025 is location. Some states pay substantially more because of the cost of living, workforce demand, and the availability of advanced healthcare facilities.
Here are the top 5 highest-paying states for MRI technologists in 2025:
| Rank | State | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
| 1 | California | $112,450 | $54.06 |
| 2 | New York | $104,980 | $50.47 |
| 3 | Washington | $101,330 | $48.72 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $98,510 | $47.36 |
| 5 | Oregon | $96,870 | $46.57 |
Mid-range paying states like Texas, Florida, and Illinois average between $78,000 and $85,000 annually, while rural areas may offer salaries starting at $65,000 to $72,000 per year.
An increase in the cost of living is also important. Although California provides the highest remuneration, the cost of living there is high. States such as Oregon and Washington would also pay good salaries with a less skewed cost of living, and would be appealing to most MRI techs.
Moreover, the rate of payment is more competitive in urban centers and specialized hospitals as compared to rural areas. This geographic pay gap provides the MRI technologists with the option of either making more money to achieve higher returns or having a higher lifestyle balance based on their objectives.
Experience, Certification & Specialties That Increase MRI Tech Salary
In 2025, experience and specialization remain two of the most powerful drivers of higher MRI tech salaries. While entry-level positions offer solid starting pay, experienced technologists often climb the income ladder quickly.
Here’s how pay typically grows with experience:
- 0–2 years (Entry-level): $62,000 – $74,000/year
- 3–7 years (Mid-level): $78,000 – $92,000/year
- 8+ years (Senior-level): $100,000 – $118,000/year
But it’s not just about years on the job. MRI technologists who earn advanced certifications from bodies like the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) or specialize in areas such as cardiac MRI, neuroimaging, or breast MRI can increase their salaries by 10% to 25%.
Common certifications and their impact:
- ARRT MRI Certification: +$6,000–$8,000/year
- Cardiac or Neuro MRI Specialty: +$10,000–$15,000/year
- Management or Lead Tech Role: +$15,000–$20,000/year
In addition, MRI technologists who pursue cross-training in CT or PET imaging are in especially high demand. Hospitals and imaging centers often pay premium rates for professionals who can operate multiple modalities.
This combination of skill, specialization, and leadership is what separates an average MRI tech salary from a six-figure career path in 2025.
Global & Alternative Markets: MRI Tech Salary in Canada, the UK and Remote Opportunities
While the U.S. is known for its high MRI tech salaries, opportunities around the world are also expanding rapidly. Many technologists explore international markets for better work-life balance, tax benefits, or relocation plans.
Here’s a global MRI technologist salary comparison in 2025:
| Country | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Local Equivalent |
| 🇺🇸 United States | $87,420 | — |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | $69,800 | CAD 95,000 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | $63,200 | £51,500 |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | $8,500 – $12,000 | PKR 24–34 lakh/year |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | $79,400 | AUD 122,000 |
Canada and Australia offer competitive pay, strong benefits, and stable healthcare systems. The UK also provides good opportunities, especially within the National Health Service (NHS), though salaries are generally lower than in the U.S.
Another rising trend in 2025 is remote teleradiology and cross-border imaging interpretation. MRI technologists can now work with international facilities, increasing their income through part-time or contract-based opportunities.
The field is changing with this international mobility – MRI technology is not only becoming a local career but also an international one with several income opportunities.
Final Thoughts
MRI technologists are playing a critical role in modern healthcare, and 2025 marks one of the strongest salary years for this profession. With an average annual salary of $87,420 in the U.S. and opportunities to earn well into the six figures, this career path combines financial stability, professional growth, and job security.
A few key points to remember:
- Salary growth is directly tied to location, specialization, and experience.
- Opportunities exist not only in hospitals but also in outpatient centers, private clinics, and global markets.
- Certifications and advanced training can significantly boost earnings.
- Flexibility in work settings allows professionals to align salary goals with lifestyle choices.
For those entering the field, becoming an MRI technologist in 2025 means stepping into a future-proof career. And for those already in the industry, it’s the perfect time to upskill, specialize, or relocate to maximize income potential.
FAQs
What is the highest pay for an MRI tech?
In 2025, the highest pay for MRI technologists can reach $135,000+ annually, especially in high-demand states like California and New York with advanced hospital settings.
What is the highest-paid MRI tech?
The highest-paid MRI techs typically work in specialty hospitals or research centers, earning between $120,000 and $135,000 per year, often with advanced certifications or leadership roles.
How much do MRI techs make in Canada?
MRI technologists in Canada earn an average of $69,800 USD annually (around CAD 95,000), with top salaries reaching over CAD 110,000 in major cities.
How much does an entry-level MRI tech make in Ohio?
In 2025, an entry-level MRI tech in Ohio earns between $62,000 and $68,000 per year, depending on location, employer, and work setting.