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Salary comparison

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?

Registered Nursess out-earn Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologistss by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologistss land at $95,480 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: magnetic resonance imaging technologist programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologistss is District of Columbia ($128,710); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Registered Nurses
Median salary
$95,480
$97,550
Hourly rate
$45.91/hr
$46.9/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$68,890
$68,940
Senior level (90th %)
$127,670
$137,470
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
U.S. employment
43,390
3,379,720
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
4.9%
Category
Healthcare
Healthcare
Top-paying state
District of Columbia
California

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists median pay.

State
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Registered Nurses
District of Columbia
$128,710
$102,540
California
$124,000
$140,270
Washington
$122,750
$124,200
Oregon
$121,920
$129,010
Alaska
$120,610
$109,480
Hawaii
$119,370
$136,320
New York
$113,270
$109,440
Massachusetts
$110,600
$104,550
Connecticut
$106,330
$102,740
Colorado
$105,380
$100,260
Maryland
$105,230
$99,790
Rhode Island
$105,060
$100,640
New Jersey
$103,930
$106,500
Minnesota
$100,900
$101,510
Nevada
$98,260
$103,670

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologistss or Registered Nursess?

Registered Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $95,480 for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologistss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists or Registered Nurses?

BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.

Which requires more education, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists or Registered Nurses?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologistss get paid the most?

District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologistss at $128,710/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologistss earn $128,710 vs. $102,540 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists salary breakdownView →Full Registered Nurses salary breakdownView →Best cities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologistss by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Registered Nursess by take-home payExplore →How to become a magnetic resonance imaging technologistsGuide →How to become a registered nursesGuide →