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MRI Technologist in New York: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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New York employs 3,240 mri technologists, with a statewide median of $113,270 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New York licensing picture, and where to train.

What Mri technologists Earn in New York (May 2025)

New York median pay: $113,270 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $81,180
Experienced (75th percentile): $125,740
Top earners (90th percentile): $133,420
Employed in New York: 3,240
U.S. median (for comparison): $83,200 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for mri technologists in major New York markets:

Albany: $102,120 (130 employed)
Buffalo: $90,140 (200 employed)
Rochester: $81,180 (250 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in New York

Prices in New York run about 8% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $113,270 median is worth closer to $104,977 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in New York (2024–2034)

New York is projected to grow mri technologists employment +11.2%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 240 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

New York License and Certification Requirements

ARRT R.T.(MR) or ARMRIT (national certification — no NY state license) — regulated by the No New York state MRI-specific license (ARRT MRI or ARMRIT — national creds).

New York does not require a separate state license for MRI technologists. The ARRT MRI post-primary path: earn an ARRT primary credential (R.T. in Radiography via a JRCERT-accredited New York program), complete 12 months of clinical MRI experience, then pass the ARRT MRI post-primary exam.
Alternatively, the ARMRIT direct-entry MRI pathway is available: complete an approved MRI program, document clinical hours, and pass the ARMRIT exam.
NYC health systems (NYP/Columbia, NYP/Weill Cornell, NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, Northwell) have large imaging departments with multiple MRI suites and strong demand for experienced MRI techs.

Official requirements: No New York state MRI-specific license (ARRT MRI or ARMRIT — national creds) →

Training in New York

SUNY Downstate, CUNY programs, and NYP-affiliated schools offer radiography programs as a launch pad for MRI. NYC's research hospitals also offer research MRI positions for techs interested in clinical research careers. Travel MRI positions in the NYC metro area are among the highest-paying in the country.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New York include:

Ace Institute of Technology — Certificate
Alfred University — Bachelor's
Arnot Ogden Medical Center — Certificate / Associate
Austin Medical Assistant Training — Certificate

Where Mri technologists Work in New York

Real New York hospitals that employ mri technologists include:

VA Hosp — Northport
New York-Presbyterian Hospital — New York
VA Hosp — Montrose
VA Hosp — Canandaigua
Montefiore Medical Center — Bronx
VA Hosp — Bronx

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People interested in healthcare technology who want strong wages and can handle calm, precise, controlled environments.

Think twice if: Claustrophobic patients, on-call rotations, and strict MRI safety protocols sound stressful rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: MRI scanning requires licensed, patient-present technical work with real-time safety decisions around magnetic fields and contraindications.

First Steps

Look for ARRT-eligible MRI programs — either a primary MRI track or post-primary certification for existing RT graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do mri technologists make in New York?

The median wage for mri technologists in New York is $113,270 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $81,180, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $133,420. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a MRI Technologist in New York?

ARRT R.T.(MR) or ARMRIT (national certification — no NY state license), overseen by the No New York state MRI-specific license (ARRT MRI or ARMRIT — national creds). New York does not require a separate state license for MRI technologists. The ARRT MRI post-primary path: earn an ARRT primary credential (R.T. in Radiography via a JRCERT-accredited New York program), complete 12 months of clinical MRI experience, then pass the ARRT MRI post-primary exam.

Is being a MRI Technologist a good career in New York?

MRI scanning requires licensed, patient-present technical work with real-time safety decisions around magnetic fields and contraindications.

Which New York metros pay mri technologists the most?

Among New York metro areas, Albany leads at $102,120, followed by Buffalo ($90,140), Rochester ($81,180). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a MRI Technologist in New York?

Real New York options include Ace Institute of Technology, Alfred University, Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Most mri technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is MRI Technologist a growing career in New York?

New York projects mri technologists employment to change +11.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 240 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New York statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2035. Licensing summary compiled from the No New York state MRI-specific license (ARRT MRI or ARMRIT — national creds) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET New York wages · New York licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.