Online MRI Technologist Programs in Virginia: Salary, Schools & Outlook (2026)
Quick answer: Virginia employs about 1,070 magnetic resonance imaging technologists (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and licensing runs through your state radiologic health or medical imaging board. Programs, the careers this degree opens, and what they pay are below.
Licensing and Credentials in Virginia
Requirements for medical imaging personnel are set at state level, and states differ in whether they license imaging technologists separately, recognize certification instead, or regulate the modality at all. The national constants are programmatic accreditation through JRCERT and certification through the ARRT in magnetic resonance imaging, reached either by a post-primary pathway from radiography or a primary pathway.
Requirements are set at state level and are amended periodically. Before you enroll in any program, confirm with your state radiologic health or medical imaging board that the specific program you are considering satisfies the education requirement, and ask what it accepts from any training you have already completed. Get the answer in writing.
Earning the Degree While You Work
Most people reading this already have a job in the field, and the practical question is whether the credential can be earned without leaving it. Programs designed for working adults deliver the academic portion online or in the evening, while any labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience happen in person and locally. Prior college credit, military training, apprenticeship coursework and industry certifications can all shorten the path, so request a written transfer credit evaluation before you commit to any school.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
We do not have campus-based schools on record for this exact area right now. School availability changes as programs open and close, and many programs in this field enroll online - see the main program page for options that are not tied to your location. Know a school we missed? Tell us.
What Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Earn in Virginia
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Virginia earn a median $98,640 per year, above the national median of $95,480 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
MRI Technology Pay and Employment in Virginia at a Glance
| Metric | Virginia | National | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $98,640 | $95,480 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 10th percentile | $78,400 | $68,890 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 25th percentile | $85,770 | $81,040 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 75th percentile | $108,350 | $106,340 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 90th percentile | $121,940 | $127,670 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Employment | 1,070 | 43,390 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Location quotient | 0.93 | 1.00 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Projected change (2024-34) | not published by state | 7.1% | BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34 |
How Virginia Pay Compares to the Rest of the Country
The Virginia median of $98,640 sits above the national median of $95,480 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Percentiles matter more than the midpoint when you are deciding whether a degree pays for itself: the 10th percentile is roughly where people start, and the 90th is what the top of the local market looks like after years of experience.
A location quotient of 0.93 puts Virginia slightly below the national average, so the occupation is a little less common here than in the typical state (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The measure compares how concentrated the occupation is here against the national average of 1.00.
Where the Jobs Are in Virginia
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | $98,680 | 160 |
| Virginia Beach | $95,950 | 160 |
| Winchester | $82,900 | 40 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025. MRI positions concentrate in hospitals and dedicated imaging centers, so the local market depends on scanner capacity rather than on population alone.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Wages by Metro Area in Virginia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), magnetic resonance imaging technologists wages in Virginia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 810 | $109,110 | $113,120 | $96,700 | $131,020 |
| Richmond | 160 | $98,680 | $93,830 | $78,770 | $101,050 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 160 | $95,950 | $90,710 | $77,310 | $99,750 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | 80 | $74,910 | $78,200 | $66,590 | $95,330 |
| Winchester | 40 | $82,900 | $74,240 | $40,480 | $98,050 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
All Virginia Metro Areas With Published Data
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Virginia?
The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Virginia is $98,640, above the national median of $95,480 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle of the range runs from $85,770 at the 25th percentile to $108,350 at the 75th.
How many magnetic resonance imaging technologists work in Virginia?
Virginia holds about 1,070 MRI technologist jobs (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Nationally the occupation employs 43,390, and BLS projects about 2,600 openings per year through 2034 (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34).
Do I need a license to work as a MRI technologist in Virginia?
Requirements for medical imaging personnel are set at state level, and states differ in whether they license imaging technologists separately, recognize certification instead, or regulate the modality at all. The national constants are programmatic accreditation through JRCERT and certification through the ARRT in magnetic resonance imaging, reached either by a post-primary pathway from radiography or a primary pathway. Requirements are set at the state level and change periodically, so confirm the current rules with your state radiologic health or medical imaging board before you enroll in any program.
Can I earn a JRCERT-accredited program with ARRT certification online while working in Virginia?
Often yes. Programs built for working adults deliver coursework online or in the evenings, though any required labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience are completed in person. Confirm that the program's accreditation satisfies your state radiologic health or medical imaging board.
What is the highest-paying area of Virginia for magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
Among Virginia metro areas with published data, Richmond reports the highest median at $98,680 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Is Virginia a good state for magnetic resonance imaging technologists?
On pay, the state median of $98,640 sits above the national $95,480 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A location quotient of 0.93 means the occupation is less concentrated here than in the average state. Weigh that against cost of living and how concentrated the work is near where you actually want to live.
Related Guides
- MRI Technology programs and how to choose one - the national guide to this degree
- Radiologic Technologist career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
- Trade careers that require a 4-year degree
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (SOC 29-2035), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.