There are currently an estimated 41,400 MRI technologists in the United States. The MRI technologist job market is expected to grow by 7.7% between 2022 and 2032.
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 5,400 MRI technologists. That number is based on 3,200 additional MRI technologists, and the retirement of 2,200 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 |
| Washington | 790 |
| Virginia | 790 |
| Maryland | 780 |
| Louisiana | 680 |
| Minnesota | 600 |
| Missouri | 590 |
| South Carolina | 520 |
| Alabama | 510 |
| Nevada | 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 |
| Maine | 110 |
| Hawaii | 110 |
| District of Columbia | 100 |
| North Dakota | 100 |
| South Dakota | 80 |
| Alaska | 50 |
| Vermont | 40 |
| Wyoming | 40 |