Updated with May 2025 BLS data.
CT and MRI technologists earn more than general radiographers on average, but where you work makes a big difference. This guide shows the median MRI technologist pay in every state from the latest federal data, explains why CT pay is harder to pin down by state and shares ways to increase your earnings.
Key takeaways
- The national median pay for MRI technologists was $95,480 in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- State medians ranged from about $71,700 in Mississippi to $128,700 in Washington, D.C.
- The highest-paying areas were D.C., California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii, all above $119,000.
- BLS doesn’t track CT technologists separately. In the ASRT’s 2024 national survey, CT technologists averaged $87,785 and MRI technologists $92,729, compared with $73,274 for radiographers.
- Higher pay often comes with a higher cost of living. Compare offers carefully.
MRI technologist median pay by state
Median annual wage for MRI technologists (occupation code 29-2035), May 2025. Half of workers earn more than the median and half earn less.
| Rank | State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $128,710 |
| 2 | California | $124,000 |
| 3 | Washington | $122,750 |
| 4 | Oregon | $121,920 |
| 5 | Alaska | $120,610 |
| 6 | Hawaii | $119,370 |
| 7 | New York | $113,270 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $110,600 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $106,330 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | $105,420 |
| 11 | Colorado | $105,380 |
| 12 | Maryland | $105,230 |
| 13 | Rhode Island | $105,060 |
| 14 | New Jersey | $103,930 |
| 15 | Delaware | $103,510 |
| 16 | Vermont | $103,070 |
| 17 | Idaho | $101,680 |
| 18 | Minnesota | $100,900 |
| 19 | Arizona | $100,600 |
| 20 | Virginia | $98,640 |
| 21 | Nevada | $98,260 |
| 22 | Texas | $96,780 |
| 23 | Illinois | $95,380 |
| 24 | Wisconsin | $94,720 |
| 25 | Maine | $94,140 |
| 26 | Georgia | $92,060 |
| 27 | Wyoming | $92,010 |
| 28 | Utah | $91,150 |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | $91,120 |
| 30 | New Mexico | $87,850 |
| 31 | Ohio | $87,670 |
| 32 | Oklahoma | $87,480 |
| 33 | Montana | $86,950 |
| 34 | Indiana | $86,880 |
| 35 | North Carolina | $85,120 |
| 36 | Michigan | $84,620 |
| 37 | Florida | $84,330 |
| 38 | South Carolina | $83,550 |
| 39 | Missouri | $83,110 |
| 40 | Nebraska | $82,710 |
| 41 | Kansas | $82,670 |
| 42 | Kentucky | $82,200 |
| 43 | Iowa | $81,420 |
| 44 | North Dakota | $80,610 |
| 45 | West Virginia | $80,490 |
| 46 | Alabama | $78,890 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $78,780 |
| 48 | Tennessee | $78,610 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $77,510 |
| 50 | South Dakota | $77,010 |
| 51 | Mississippi | $71,710 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
What about CT technologists?
The BLS doesn’t publish a separate category for CT technologists. They’re counted with radiologic technologists, so there’s no official state-by-state CT salary data.
The best national comparison comes from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) 2024 wage survey, which reports average full-time base pay by the main area people work in:
| Main area of work | Average annual base pay (2024) |
|---|---|
| MRI | $92,729 |
| CT | $87,785 |
| Radiography | $73,274 |
To estimate CT pay in your state, start with the radiologic technologist pay for your state and expect CT roles to pay more, especially with experience or night and on-call shifts. Our radiologic technologist salary by state guide shows those figures.
Why pay varies so much
- Cost of living. High-paying states and cities often have higher housing costs.
- Demand. Areas with shortages or many outpatient imaging centers may pay more.
- Setting. Hospitals, outpatient centers and travel agencies pay differently.
- Shifts. Night, weekend and on-call work often adds differentials.
- Experience and credentials. Techs with several credentials, such as CT and MRI, can be more valuable.
- Union and state rules. Some states and health systems have union contracts that raise pay.
How to increase your CT or MRI pay
- Add a second credential. CT plus MRI makes you more flexible for scheduling.
- Consider shift differentials for evenings, nights and weekends.
- Look at travel jobs. Travel technologists often earn more through stipends, though it means moving often.
- Compare settings. Outpatient centers, hospitals and mobile MRI services may pay differently.
- Negotiate with data. Bring local pay data to job offers and reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Which state pays MRI techs the most? In May 2025, Washington, D.C. had the highest median at $128,710, followed by California at $124,000.
Do MRI techs make more than CT techs? On average, yes. In the ASRT’s 2024 survey, MRI technologists averaged about $5,000 more than CT technologists. Local pay varies.
Is the median the same as the average? No. The median is the middle value: half earn more and half earn less. Averages can be pulled up by a few very high salaries.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over? Not always. A lower salary in an affordable state can go further than a higher salary in an expensive one.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (29-2035), May 2025; via O*NET OnLine local wages.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists.
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT): Radiologic Technologist Wage and Salary Survey 2024.
Salary data are estimates and don’t guarantee what you’ll earn. Check local job postings for current pay.