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

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Oregon employs 510 mri technologists, with a statewide median of $121,920 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.

What Mri technologists Earn in Oregon (May 2025)

Oregon median pay: $121,920 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $99,110
Experienced (75th percentile): $130,080
Top earners (90th percentile): $131,680
Employed in Oregon: 510
U.S. median (for comparison): $83,200 (May 2024)

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

Salem: $121,920 (30 employed)
Portland: $120,650 (330 employed)
Eugene: $112,370 (50 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon

Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $121,920 median is worth closer to $117,911 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)

Oregon is projected to grow mri technologists employment +14.3%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Oregon License and Certification Requirements

State imaging credential may apply; ARRT (MRI) is the standard — regulated by the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI).

Enter via a radiography program then cross-train into MRI, or a direct MRI program.
Earn ARRT (MRI) or ARMRIT certification.
Because Oregon licenses medical imaging, confirm whether your MRI role requires OBMI credentialing.

Official requirements: Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI) →

Training in Oregon

Many MRI techs start as rad techs and add the MRI credential. Strong pay and steady imaging-center/hospital demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:

Blue Mountain Community College — Certificate
Carrington College-Portland — Associate
Central Oregon Community College — Certificate / Associate
Chemeketa Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Mri technologists Work in Oregon

Real Oregon hospitals that employ mri technologists include:

Oregon State Hospital Distinct Part — Salem
Ohsu Hospital and Clinics — Portland
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center — Portland
VA Hosp — Portland
Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center — Portland
Oregon State Hospital- Salem — Salem

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 Oregon?

The median wage for mri technologists in Oregon is $121,920 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $99,110, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $131,680. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

State imaging credential may apply; ARRT (MRI) is the standard, overseen by the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI). Enter via a radiography program then cross-train into MRI, or a direct MRI program.

Is being a MRI Technologist a good career in Oregon?

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

Which Oregon metros pay mri technologists the most?

Among Oregon metro areas, Salem leads at $121,920, followed by Portland ($120,650), Eugene ($112,370). 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 Oregon?

Real Oregon options include Blue Mountain Community College, Carrington College-Portland, Central Oregon Community College. Most mri technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is MRI Technologist a growing career in Oregon?

Oregon projects mri technologists employment to change +14.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2035. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI) (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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.