What They Do: Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners to create diagnostic images.
Work Environment: Radiologic and MRI technologists work in healthcare facilities, and more than half work in hospitals.
How to Become One: Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. Many MRI technologists start out as radiologic technologists and specialize later in their career. Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in most states. Few states license MRI technologists. Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it.
Salary: The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is $77,360. The median annual wage for radiologic technologists is $61,370.
Job Outlook: Overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 6 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of radiologic and MRI technologists with similar occupations.
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
Radiologic and MRI technologists typically do the following:
Healthcare professionals use many types of equipment to diagnose patients. Radiologic technologists specialize in x-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Some radiologic technologists prepare a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be viewed on the images that the radiologist reviews.
Radiologic technologists might also specialize in mammography. Mammographers use low-dose x-ray systems to produce images of the breast. Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties.
MRI technologists specialize in magnetic resonance imaging scanners. They inject patients with contrast dyes 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.
Healthcare professionals who specialize in other diagnostic equipment include nuclear medicine technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists hold about 41,200 jobs. The largest employers of magnetic resonance imaging technologists are as follows:
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 57% |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 18% |
| Offices of physicians | 14% |
| Outpatient care centers | 3% |
Radiologic technologists hold about 222,800 jobs. The largest employers of radiologic technologists are as follows:
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 58% |
| Offices of physicians | 19% |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 7% |
| Outpatient care centers | 7% |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 3% |
Radiologic and MRI technologists are often on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients who are disabled.
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 badges that monitor exposure to radiation.
Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight.
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Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate's degree. Many MRI technologists start out as radiologic technologists and specialize later in their career. Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in most states. Few states license MRI technologists. Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it.
An associate's degree is the most common educational requirement for radiologic and MRI technologists. There also are postsecondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelor's degrees. Education programs typically include both classroom 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 the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) accredits MRI programs. Completing an accredited program is required for licensure in some states.
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, physiology, and physics.
MRI technologists typically have less than 5 years of work experience as radiologic technologists.
Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in most states. Few states license MRI technologists. Requirements vary by state.
To become licensed, technologists must usually graduate from an accredited program, and pass a certification exam from the state or obtain a certification from a certifying body. Certifications for radiologic technologists are available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certifications for MRI technologists are 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.
Detail oriented. Radiologic and MRI technologists must follow exact instructions to get the images needed for diagnoses.
Interpersonal skills. Radiologic and MRI technologists work closely with patients who may be in extreme pain or mentally stressed. They must put the patient at ease to get usable images.
Math skills. Radiologic and MRI technologists may need to calculate and mix the right doses of chemicals used in imaging procedures.
Physical stamina. Radiologic and MRI technologists often work on their feet for long periods during their shift and they must lift and move patients who need assistance.
Technical skills. Radiologic and MRI technologists must understand how to operate complex machinery.
The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists is $77,360. 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 $59,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,870.
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists is $61,370. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,850, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,880.
The median annual wages for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Outpatient care centers | $101,020 |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | $77,580 |
| Offices of physicians | $77,210 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $77,030 |
The median annual wages for radiologic technologists in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Federal government, excluding postal service | $71,530 |
| Outpatient care centers | $67,240 |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | $62,410 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $61,670 |
| Offices of physicians | $59,500 |
Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight.
Overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 6 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 16,600 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.
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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.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Radiologic and MRI technologists | 264,000 | 281,000 | 6 | 17,000 |
| Radiologic technologists | 222,800 | 236,900 | 6 | 14,100 |
| Magnetic resonance imaging technologists | 41,200 | 44,100 | 7 | 3,000 |
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
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.