There are currently an estimated 36,600 MRI technologists in the United States. The MRI technologist job market is expected to grow by 13.4% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are MRI technologists?

CareerExplorer rates MRI technologists with a C employability rating, meaning this career should provide moderate employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 7,400 MRI technologists. That number is based on 4,900 additional MRI technologists, and the retirement of 2,500 existing MRI technologists.

Are MRI technologists in demand?

Significant demand and job growth is projected for MRI technologists. As lifespans increase and the population grows older, there will be an increase in medical conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as fractures caused by osteoporosis, which require imaging as a diagnostic tool. In addition, the number of individuals in the U.S. who have access to health insurance is expected to rise due to federal health reform. However, employment opportunities in the field may be tempered somewhat, as some medical facilities and insurance companies continue to encourage the use of less costly, noninvasive imaging technologies such as ultrasound. Although hospitals will remain the principal employers of MRI technologists, new opportunities are expected to arise in physicians’ offices and outpatient diagnostic imaging centres. This trend is driven by efforts to reduce the costs associated with hospital visits. With experience and further education, MRI technologists may be promoted to chief technologist, department administrator, or director. Some technologists leave the occupation to become instructors in radiologic technology programs or enter sales or training positions with medical imaging equipment manufacturers.

What’s the supply of MRI technologists?

The MRI technologist industry is concentrated in Florida, California, Texas

MRI Technologist job market by state

State Name Employed MRI Technologists
Florida 3,490
California 3,460
Texas 2,760
New York 2,140
Michigan 1,640
Illinois 1,570
Tennessee 1,440
Ohio 1,430
Pennsylvania 1,230
Indiana 1,160
Massachusetts 1,100
New Jersey 1,040
Georgia 1,040
Wisconsin 980
Arizona 930
North Carolina 870
Virginia 790
Washington 790
Maryland 780
Louisiana 680
Minnesota 600
Missouri 590
South Carolina 520
Nevada 510
Alabama 510
Colorado 450
Mississippi 390
Kentucky 380
Connecticut 370
Arkansas 360
Oklahoma 350
Oregon 320
Iowa 300
Kansas 270
New Hampshire 240
Puerto Rico 240
Utah 190
West Virginia 190
New Mexico 180
Montana 180
Idaho 170
Rhode Island 170
Nebraska 150
Delaware 140
Hawaii 110
Maine 110
North Dakota 100
District of Columbia 100
South Dakota 80
Alaska 50
Wyoming 40
Vermont 40