How much do MRI technologists make in Pennsylvania? The median annual salary is $84,000, which is $4,180 below the national median of $88,180. Pennsylvania MRI techs earn a median hourly wage of $40.38.
This guide breaks down MRI technologist salary in Pennsylvania by metro area using Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024), adds cost-of-living context, and covers how to start your career in the state.
Pennsylvania salary overview
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 90th (top earners) | $105,000 | $50.48/hr |
| 75th | $96,000 | $46.15/hr |
| Median (50th) | $84,000 | $40.38/hr |
| 25th | $74,000 | $35.58/hr |
| 10th (entry level) | $62,000 | $29.81/hr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 (SOC 29-2035).
Salary by metro area
| Metro Area | Median Salary | Hourly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $92,000 | $44.23/hr | Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple |
| Pittsburgh | $82,000 | $39.42/hr | UPMC is the state’s largest employer |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $78,000 | $37.5/hr | Penn State Health, UPMC Pinnacle |
Highest paying: Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington leads at $92,000 median. Lowest paying: Harrisburg-Carlisle at $78,000.
Cost of living and take-home pay
Pennsylvania’s cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100).
State income tax: 3.07% flat rate.
| Factor | Pennsylvania | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median MRI tech salary | $84,000 | $88,180 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 100 |
| State income tax | 3.07% | Varies |
Job market and demand
Pennsylvania has two major healthcare markets. Philadelphia is home to world-class academic medical centers (Penn Medicine, Jefferson, Temple). Pittsburgh is dominated by UPMC, one of the largest healthcare systems in the nation.
Pennsylvania employs approximately 4,200 MRI technologists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% national employment growth for MRI technologists through 2033, and Pennsylvania follows this trend.
“There was a program out there made for people like me. I completed the program in 13 months and took my registry exam 1 month after I graduated.”
How to start your MRI career in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a low flat income tax rate and local earned income tax varies by municipality. The state has one of the highest concentrations of academic medical centers in the country.
To become an MRI technologist in Pennsylvania:
- Complete an accredited MRI program. Options include ARRT-pathway programs (require prior radiology credentials) or ARMRIT-pathway programs like Tesla MR Institute (no prior credentials needed, 12-18 months).
- Finish clinical training. Tesla MR Institute has 12+ clinical training sites across Pennsylvania.
- Pass certification. Earn your ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT credential.
- Apply for positions. Pennsylvania employers widely accept both ARRT and ARMRIT certification.
For detailed program options and clinical site locations, see our MRI tech programs in Pennsylvania guide.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
The median MRI technologist salary in Pennsylvania is $84,000 per year ($40.38/hour), based on May 2024 BLS data. Salaries range from $62,000 at the 10th percentile to $105,000 at the 90th percentile.
The highest paying metro area in Pennsylvania is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington with a median salary of $92,000. Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple.
Pennsylvania's median MRI technologist salary of $84,000 is $4,180 below the national median of $88,180.
Most states, including Pennsylvania, do not require a specific state license for MRI technologists because MRI uses magnetic fields, not ionizing radiation. Employers require national certification through ARRT or ARMRIT.
You can become an MRI technologist in Pennsylvania by completing an accredited MRI program (12-18 months) and passing the ARRT or ARMRIT certification exam. Tesla MR Institute offers a hybrid program with clinical training sites in Pennsylvania, open to career changers without prior radiology credentials.