Quick answer: MRI technologists usually earn a little more than CT technologists: about $92,700 vs $87,800 on average in the ASRT’s 2024 salary survey, and the BLS reports a $95,480 median for MRI technologists in May 2025. Most people reach either role by first becoming a radiographer (X-ray tech) and then adding a certification. CT is often the quicker step and is busier and more emergency-driven. MRI takes longer to master, has slower, longer exams and strict magnet safety, but doesn’t involve radiation.
At a glance
| CT technologist | MRI technologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Average pay (ASRT 2024 survey) | $87,785 | $92,729 |
| BLS median pay (May 2025) | Counted with radiologic technologists ($80,110) | $95,480 |
| Usual entry path | Radiographer + ARRT CT certification | Radiographer + ARRT MRI certification, or a primary MRI program |
| Ionizing radiation | Yes | No |
| Typical exam length | Minutes | 20–60 minutes |
| Pace | Fast, many patients, lots of trauma and ER work | Slower, fewer patients, more complex protocols |
| Key safety focus | Radiation dose, IV contrast reactions | Magnetic field, implants, burns, hearing protection |
| Physics and protocols | Moderate | Complex (sequences, coils, parameters) |
For comparison, general radiographers averaged $73,274 in the same ASRT survey, so either specialty usually means a meaningful raise.
How you get there
The most common path: radiography first
- Become a registered radiographer, R.T.(R) (about 2 years).
- Work in X-ray and get cross-trained in CT or MRI on the job, or join a short CT or MRI program.
- Complete ARRT’s post-primary requirements: structured education (a set number of hours of coursework) plus a required list of supervised clinical procedures.
- Pass the ARRT CT or MRI exam to earn R.T.(R)(CT) or R.T.(R)(MR).
Many techs earn both CT and MRI over time, which makes them very employable.
Direct MRI programs
MRI also has a primary pathway: you can complete an accredited MRI program without being a radiographer first, then take the ARRT MRI exam. Another certifying body, ARMRIT, also certifies MRI technologists. There’s no equivalent direct path into CT for most people; CT almost always builds on radiography, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy.
What the job is really like
CT technologist
- Speed: Scans take seconds; the work is about getting patients on and off the table safely and quickly.
- Emergency work: Stroke alerts, trauma and ER patients are a big part of the day in hospitals.
- IV contrast: Starting IVs, using power injectors and watching for contrast reactions.
- Radiation: Choosing protocols to keep doses low, especially for children.
MRI technologist
- Safety screening: Every patient, visitor and object is screened for metal and implants. Mistakes can be dangerous, so attention to detail is critical.
- Longer exams: Patients must stay still for a long time; coaching anxious and claustrophobic patients is part of the job.
- Protocols and physics: More sequences, coils and settings to adjust for each body part and question.
- No ionizing radiation: But a powerful magnet that is always on.
Which one fits you?
CT may suit you if you:
- Like a fast pace and adrenaline
- Want to move into specialty work quickly after radiography
- Enjoy emergency and trauma care
MRI may suit you if you:
- Enjoy physics, detail and fine-tuning images
- Prefer longer interactions with fewer patients
- Want to avoid ionizing radiation
- Want slightly higher pay potential
Career growth after CT or MRI
- Lead technologist or supervisor
- Applications specialist for equipment manufacturers
- Educator or clinical instructor
- Travel technologist (CT and MRI are often in demand)
- Advanced roles such as cardiac CT or MRI, or research imaging
From the scanner room
[TU EXPERIENCIA: este es tu terreno. Cómo es tu día a día en RM; qué te gusta y qué no; qué diferencias ves con los compañeros de TC; qué tipo de persona disfruta en cada sala; anecdotas de seguridad en RM (sin datos personales).]
FAQ
Do MRI techs make more than CT techs?
Usually a little more. In the ASRT’s 2024 survey, MRI technologists averaged about $92,700 and CT technologists about $87,800. Pay varies by location and employer.
Is it easier to get into CT or MRI?
CT is usually the quicker step for radiographers, and many hospitals cross-train X-ray techs into CT. MRI often takes more training because of the physics and safety.
Can I become an MRI tech without being an X-ray tech?
Yes, through a primary MRI program or ARMRIT certification. Most CT techs, by contrast, start as radiographers.
Is MRI or CT more stressful?
Different kinds of stress: CT is fast and often urgent; MRI involves long exams, anxious patients and strict safety rules.
Should I get both CT and MRI certifications?
If you can, it increases job options and flexibility, especially in smaller hospitals and travel jobs.
Salary figures are averages or medians from surveys and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual pay depends on location, experience, shifts and credentials.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Radiologic and MRI Technologists (May 2025 pay).
- ASRT. Radiologic Technologist Wage and Salary Survey 2024 (as reported by Radiology Business).
- ARRT. Postprimary eligibility pathway: structured education and clinical experience requirements for CT and MRI.
- ARMRIT. MRI technologist certification.
- Penn State Schuylkill. MRI post-primary certification program brochure.