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

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Virginia employs 1,070 mri technologists, with a statewide median of $98,640 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Mri technologists Earn in Virginia (May 2025)

Virginia median pay: $98,640 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $78,400
Experienced (75th percentile): $108,350
Top earners (90th percentile): $121,940
Employed in Virginia: 1,070
U.S. median (for comparison): $83,200 (May 2024)

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

Washington DC metro: $109,110 (810 employed)
Richmond: $98,680 (160 employed)
Virginia Beach–Norfolk: $95,950 (160 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia

Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $98,640 median is worth closer to $97,567 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)

Virginia is projected to grow mri technologists employment +8.1%, faster than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 80 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Virginia License and Certification Requirements

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

Virginia does not require a state license for MRI technologists. Take the ARRT MRI post-primary path: complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (Northern Virginia CC, Tidewater CC, Virginia Western CC), earn your primary ARRT R.T., complete 12 months of MRI clinical experience, then pass the ARRT MRI exam.
The ARMRIT direct-entry MRI program is an alternative for direct MRI entry.
Inova Fairfax Hospital and Inova Health System (NoVA), VCU Health (Richmond), Sentara Norfolk General (Hampton Roads), and Carilion Roanoke Memorial are the major MRI employers.

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

Training in Virginia

Northern Virginia's MRI wages reflect the high-cost DC market — some of the strongest in the South Atlantic region. VCU Health's MRI program in Richmond pairs with strong academic medical center opportunities. Travel MRI positions from Northern Virginia into DC and Maryland pay premium rates.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:

American National University — Associate
Averett University — Bachelor's
Blue Ridge Community College — Certificate / Associate
Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging — Certificate / Associate

Where Mri technologists Work in Virginia

Real Virginia hospitals that employ mri technologists include:

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Virginia — Portsmouth
Inova Fairfax Hospital — Falls Church
Medical College of Virginia Hospitals — Richmond
Cjw Medical Center — Richmond
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital — Roanoke
Uva Health Sciences Center — Charlottesville

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 Virginia?

The median wage for mri technologists in Virginia is $98,640 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $78,400, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $121,940. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

ARRT R.T.(MR) or ARMRIT (national certification — no VA state license), overseen by the No Virginia state MRI-specific license (ARRT MRI or ARMRIT — national creds). Virginia does not require a state license for MRI technologists. Take the ARRT MRI post-primary path: complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (Northern Virginia CC, Tidewater CC, Virginia Western CC), earn your primary ARRT R.T., complete 12 months of MRI clinical experience, then pass the ARRT MRI exam.

Is being a MRI Technologist a good career in Virginia?

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

Which Virginia metros pay mri technologists the most?

Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $109,110, followed by Richmond ($98,680), Virginia Beach–Norfolk ($95,950). 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 Virginia?

Real Virginia options include American National University, Averett University, Blue Ridge 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 Virginia?

Virginia projects mri technologists employment to change +8.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 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), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2035. Licensing summary compiled from the No Virginia 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 Virginia wages · Virginia 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.