How to Become an MRI Technologist in District of Columbia (2026)

District of Columbia employs about 150 mri technologists earning a median $128,710 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as an MRI Technologist here means completing an MRI program plus ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT; add a state CRT only if the job includes X-ray.

District of Columbia employs approximately 150 mri technologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $128,710 1. Nationally, mri technologist employment is projected to grow 7.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an MRI Technologist in District of Columbia, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.

At a Glance

  • Training paths: MRI educational program (find programs)
  • Typical timeline: an MRI program plus ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT; add a state CRT only if the job includes X-ray
  • Exam: ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT
  • Median wage (District of Columbia): $128,710 per year 1

Quick Answers About How to Become an MRI Technologist in District of Columbia

How to become an MRI Technologist in District of Columbia? Complete an MRI program plus ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT; add a state CRT only if the job includes X-ray. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.

How long does it take? Most people finish an MRI program plus ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT; add a state CRT only if the job includes X-ray. Confirm current hour totals with the program and employer.

Do I need a license in District of Columbia? Most states do not require a statewide occupational license. Employers typically expect ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT. See the licensing section below.

What do mri technologists earn in District of Columbia? The median annual wage for mri technologists in District of Columbia is $128,710 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $89,120 and experienced professionals can earn $134,950 or more 1.

How to Become an MRI Technologist in District of Columbia

  1. Meet program entry rules. MRI programs in District of Columbia typically require a high school diploma or GED and often a radiography background. Confirm prerequisites with the program.
  2. Complete an MRI educational program. Finish an MRI program that meets ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT eligibility. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
  3. Earn ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT. Pass ARRT magnetic resonance or ARMRIT. Employers typically require one of these.
  4. Confirm ionizing-radiation rules. Most states do not issue an MRI-only certificate. If the job uses X-ray or fluoroscopy, a state radiologic credential may be required. Confirm with the employer.

Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.

MRI Technologist License Requirements in District of Columbia

Most states do not issue a standalone MRI license. Employers expect ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT. A state CRT applies only if the role uses X-ray.

Typical path

  1. Complete an MRI educational program.

  2. Earn ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT.

  3. Add a state CRT only if the job includes ionizing radiation.

Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the employer before you enroll.

MRI Technologist Wages by Metro Area in District of Columbia

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Wages by Metro Area in District of Columbia

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), magnetic resonance imaging technologists wages in District of Columbia vary by metro area.

Metro AreaEmploymentMedian Annual WageAvg. Annual WageEntry Level
(10th pctile)
Experienced
(90th pctile)
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria810$109,110$113,120$96,700$131,020

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 .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for mri technologists in District of Columbia? District of Columbia currently employs approximately 150 mri technologists 1. Nationally, mri technologist employment is projected to grow 7.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.

What training programs are available in District of Columbia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in District of Columbia.

How much do mri technologists earn in District of Columbia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for mri technologists in District of Columbia is $128,710, which is $40,530 above the national median of $88,180 according to BLS data 1.

In District of Columbia

Explore More Trades in District of Columbia

Citations

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/.

References


  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2025-10-25)
O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones)U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.)O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13)