What does a radiologic and mri technologist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Radiologic technologists perform x-rays and other diagnostic imaging exams, and MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners. Most need an associate's degree. BLS reports a median pay of $81,390 per year (May 2025) for the group. Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 29-2034 |
| O*NET code | 29-2034.00, 29-2035.00 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree |
| Median annual wage | $81,390 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 5 percent (faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 278,100 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a radiologic and mri technologist do?
BLS says MRI technologists operate MRI scanners to create diagnostic images, and radiologic technologists (radiographers) perform x-rays and other imaging exams. Duties include adjusting and maintaining equipment, following physician orders on which body areas to image, preparing and positioning patients and shielding areas not being imaged, operating computerized imaging equipment, reviewing images with physicians and keeping detailed patient records.
Work environment
More than half work in hospitals. For MRI technologists, hospitals employ 61 percent, medical and diagnostic laboratories 17 percent and physician offices 14 percent. For radiologic technologists, hospitals employ 60 percent and physician offices 17 percent. Most work full time, and some work evenings, weekends or overnight shifts.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says the typical education is an associate's degree, and MRI technologists may start as radiologic technologists. Most states require licensure or certification for radiologic technologists, and few require it for MRI technologists. Employers typically require or prefer certification regardless of state rules.
Skills that matter
BLS lists detail orientation, interpersonal skills, math skills, physical stamina and technical skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does a radiologic and mri technologist make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $81,390 for radiologic and MRI technologists (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of radiologic and MRI technologists to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 15,300 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Check your state rules and whether employers in your area prefer certification.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Diagnostic medical sonographers, Radiation therapists, Nuclear medicine technologists, Cardiovascular technologists and technicians.
Frequently asked questions
Do radiologic technologists need a license? BLS says most states require licensure or certification for radiologic technologists, and few require it for MRI technologists. Employers typically require or prefer certification either way.
How do you become an MRI technologist? BLS says MRI technologists typically need an associate's degree and may start as radiologic technologists, usually with less than 5 years of related experience.
How much do radiologic and MRI technologists make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $81,390 for radiologic and MRI technologists (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is radiologic and mri technologist a good career? BLS projects 5 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (faster than average). About 15,300 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI technologists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-2034.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2034.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-2035.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2035.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
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