MRI Technologist vs X-Ray Technician: Salary & Career Comparison
Median salary, hourly wage, salary range, skills, education and career outlook for MRI Technologist and X-Ray Technician.
| Metric | MRI Technologist | X-Ray Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $95,480 | $80,110 |
| Median hourly wage | $46 | $39 |
| Mean annual salary | $96,120 | $83,840 |
| Typical range (25th–75th) | $81,040 – $106,340 | $64,810 – $98,750 |
| Employed in the US | 43,390 | 230,490 |
Key skills
Both
No shared skills listed.
MRI Technologist only
None listed.
X-Ray Technician only
- Radiographic imaging
- Radiation safety
- Patient positioning
- Patient care
- Equipment operation
- Infection control
Education & entry requirements
MRI Technologist
No education data listed.
X-Ray Technician
No education data listed.
What they have in common
They draw on largely different skill sets.
Key differences
MRI Technologist typically earns $15,370 per year more than X-Ray Technician.
Who it's for
Choose MRI Technologist if its path fits your goals. Choose X-Ray Technician if its path fits your goals.
Figures reference the same BLS OEWS wage data as each job's salary page. See the MRI Technologist salary and X-Ray Technician salary pages for full details.