Travel MRI Technologist Salary Guide

MRI technologists are allied health professionals who operate magnetic resonance imaging equipment. This type of imaging uses strong magnets and a radio frequency current to take three-dimensional images of the human body. Before imaging, the MRI technologist must ask questions about the patient's medical history and then position the patient in the MRI scanner. When necessary, the technologist injects contrast media into an intravenous line to enhance the appearance of specific structures. After performing the scan, an MRI technologist reviews the images to confirm they meet the ordering physician's requirements.

How do you become an MRI technologist?

To become an MRI technologist, you must obtain an associate degree in radiologic technology or MRI technology. This 2-year degree includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, radiation physics, patient care and other relevant topics. Accredited programs also include clinical experience requirements to ensure you know how to operate MRI equipment safely. According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, as of April 3, 2023, six states require MRI technologists to be licensed, which include:

  • New Hampshire

  • New Mexico

  • North Dakota

  • Oregon

  • Tennessee

  • West Virginia

If you intend to start as a radiologic technologist and become an MRI technologist later, you may need to obtain a license before you start working, as 42 states require a license to work as a radiologic technologist. Check with your state licensing body to learn exactly what you need to work as an MRI or radiologic technologist in your area.

Average Travel MRI Technologist Salary

$2,553/week

The average salary for a Travel MRI Technologist is $2,553 per week. This is 1% higher than the practicing US average of $2,520.

Last updated on September 30, 2026. Based on 6,417 active jobs on Vivian.com in the last 7 days.

Salaries for Travel MRI Technologist compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages

$2,553/week

1% higher than the practicing US average.

$2,520/week

United States

Where do Travel MRI Technologists get paid the most?

Vermont pays Travel MRI Technologists the most, averaging $3,348 per week, followed by Rhode Island ($3,087) and Maryland ($2,991). California has the highest ceiling, with max weekly pay reaching $6,810. For comparison, the national average for Travel MRI Technologists is $2,553 per week — Vermont pays 31% more.

StateAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
Vermont$3,348$3,718
Rhode Island$3,087$3,638
Maryland$2,991$3,647
New York$2,938$4,050
Connecticut$2,907$3,400
Massachusetts$2,872$3,937
New Hampshire$2,869$4,002
Iowa$2,851$3,427
Nebraska$2,795$3,386
Ohio$2,793$3,356
Minnesota$2,791$3,415
Virginia$2,787$3,446
South Dakota$2,786$3,258
California$2,786$6,810
Hawaii$2,749$3,181
Wisconsin$2,743$3,362
What cities pay the most for Travel MRI Technologists?

New Rochelle, New York pays Travel MRI Technologists the most, averaging $4,050 per week, followed by New Bedford, Massachusetts ($3,809) and Fall River, Massachusetts ($3,698). For comparison, the national average for Travel MRI Technologists is $2,553 per week — New Rochelle, New York pays 59% more.

CityAverage Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
New Rochelle, New York$4,050$4,050
New Bedford, Massachusetts$3,809$3,809
Fall River, Massachusetts$3,698$3,809
Carmel, Indiana$3,589$3,589
Newark, New Jersey$3,588$3,588
Oakland, California$3,419$3,508
Burlington, Vermont$3,335$3,701
Providence, Rhode Island$3,261$3,638
San Francisco, California$3,211$3,513
Langhorne, Pennsylvania$3,204$3,660
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Travel MRI Technologist jobs?

Health Advocates Network - Nursing pays Travel MRI Technologists the most, averaging $4,830 per week, followed by FlexStaff ($3,943) and Healthtrust Workforce Solutions Maine Health ($3,896). For comparison, the national average for Travel MRI Technologists is $2,553 per week — Health Advocates Network - Nursing pays 89% more.

Average Weekly SalaryMax Weekly Salary
Health Advocates Network - Nursing$4,830$4,830
FlexStaff$3,943$3,943
Healthtrust Workforce Solutions Maine Health$3,896$3,896
PeopleMed a division of All About People$3,863$3,863
Advantage Staffing Services$3,834$3,888
Express Healthcare Staffing Illinois$3,560$3,560
United Staffing Solutions$3,552$3,552
Smarter Healthcare Partners$3,540$3,540
Pulse Healthcare Services$3,465$3,465
Curam Staffing$3,448$3,803

Last updated on September 30, 2026. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

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Travel MRI Technologist Career Guide

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How can you increase your pay as a travel MRI technologist?

Travel MRI technologists earn approximately 17.8% more than staff MRI techs, allowing you to make more without investing in additional education or certifications.

How much does an travel MRI technologist make?

According to Vivian's data, travel MRI technologists averaged $2,497 for the week ending in April 8, 2023, which works out to $32,461 for a 13-week contract or $64,922 for a 26-week contract.

Do travel MRI technologists earn more than staff MRI technologists?

Travel MRI technologists generally make more than staff MRI technologists. On April 8, 2023, Vivian Health reported that staff jobs paid an average of $52.98 per hour, or $2,120 weekly in a standard 40-hour workweek. In contrast, travel MRI technologists earned an average of $2,497 per week, an increase of nearly $400.

What states employ the most MRI technologists?

BLS data for 2021 shows that the following states employ the most MRI technologists:

  • Florida: 3,270

  • Texas: 2,690

  • Illinois: 2,560

  • California” 2,470

  • New York: 2,230

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