MRI Specialist Salary: Average & Factors Influencing Pay

National Salary Data (BLS, May 2020)

• Median Annual: $71,120
• Range: $53,260 – $96,180
• Median Hourly: ~$34.19

Key Salary Drivers

• Education/Credentials: Bachelor's + ARRT (MR) or ARMRIT certification → higher pay.
• Experience: 5+ years commands premium.
• Geography: Metro/coastal areas > rural; cost-of-living adjusted.
• Setting: Hospital/academic > outpatient imaging center > mobile.
• Shift Differentials: Nights, weekends, on-call add 10–20%.
• Advanced Skills: Cardiac MR, functional MR, spectroscopy, research coordination.

Related Titles

• MRI Technologist
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist
• Radiologic Technologist (MR modality)

Outlook

Faster-than-average growth (7% 2020–30) due to aging population, expanding MRI applications, and technology advances.