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

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Pennsylvania employs 2,250 mri technologists, with a statewide median of $91,120 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Pennsylvania licensing picture, and where to train.

What Mri technologists Earn in Pennsylvania (May 2025)

Pennsylvania median pay: $91,120 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $51,280
Experienced (75th percentile): $100,750
Top earners (90th percentile): $107,990
Employed in Pennsylvania: 2,250
U.S. median (for comparison): $83,200 (May 2024)

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

Harrisburg: $85,140 (160 employed)
Pittsburgh: $81,040 (310 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Pennsylvania

Prices in Pennsylvania run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $91,120 median stretches to roughly $93,361 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania (2024–2034)

Pennsylvania is projected to grow mri technologists employment +5.3%, slower than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 130 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Pennsylvania License and Certification Requirements

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

Pennsylvania does not require a separate state license for MRI technologists. Most PA techs enter through the ARRT MRI post-primary path: complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (available at CCAC, Jefferson, and other PA schools), earn the primary ARRT R.T., then complete 12 months of MRI clinical experience and pass the ARRT MRI exam.
ARMRIT direct-entry MRI programs are an alternative for those who want to specialize in MRI from the start.
UPMC, Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and Lehigh Valley Health Network all have large MRI operations. Research MRI positions are available at Penn, Pitt, and Temple medical centers.

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

Training in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's two large metropolitan markets — Philadelphia and Pittsburgh — offer strong MRI employment with competitive salaries. Travel positions through staffing agencies can command significantly higher hourly rates and are plentiful throughout the state.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Pennsylvania include:

All-State Career School — Certificate / Associate
Alvernia University — Associate / Bachelor's
Bucks County Community College — Certificate / Associate
Butler County Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Mri technologists Work in Pennsylvania

Real Pennsylvania hospitals that employ mri technologists include:

Upmc Presbyterian Shadyside — Pittsburgh
Lehigh Valley Hospital — Allentown
Lebanon VA Medical Center — Lebanon
Coatesville VA Medical Center — Coatesville
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital — Philadelphia
Temple University Hospital — Philadelphia

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 Pennsylvania?

The median wage for mri technologists in Pennsylvania is $91,120 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $51,280, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $107,990. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

ARRT R.T.(MR) or ARMRIT (national certification — no PA state license), overseen by the No Pennsylvania state MRI-specific license (ARRT MRI or ARMRIT — national creds). Pennsylvania does not require a separate state license for MRI technologists. Most PA techs enter through the ARRT MRI post-primary path: complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (available at CCAC, Jefferson, and other PA schools), earn the primary ARRT R.T., then complete 12 months of MRI clinical experience and pass the ARRT MRI exam.

Is being a MRI Technologist a good career in Pennsylvania?

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

Which Pennsylvania metros pay mri technologists the most?

Among Pennsylvania metro areas, Harrisburg leads at $85,140, followed by Pittsburgh ($81,040). 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 Pennsylvania?

Real Pennsylvania options include All-State Career School, Alvernia University, Bucks County 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 Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania projects mri technologists employment to change +5.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 130 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), Pennsylvania statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2035. Licensing summary compiled from the No Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania wages · Pennsylvania 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.