How to Become an MRI Technologist in Kentucky (2026)
Kentucky employs about 650 mri technologists earning a median $82,200 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.
Kentucky employs approximately 650 mri technologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $82,200 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 Kentucky, 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 (Kentucky): $82,200 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become an MRI Technologist in Kentucky
How to become an MRI Technologist in Kentucky? 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 Kentucky? 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 Kentucky? The median annual wage for mri technologists in Kentucky is $82,200 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $66,170 and experienced professionals can earn $101,760 or more 1.
How to Become an MRI Technologist in Kentucky
- Meet program entry rules. MRI programs in Kentucky typically require a high school diploma or GED and often a radiography background. Confirm prerequisites with the program.
- Complete an MRI educational program. Finish an MRI program that meets ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT eligibility. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Earn ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT. Pass ARRT magnetic resonance or ARMRIT. Employers typically require one of these.
- 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 Kentucky
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
Complete an MRI educational program.
Earn ARRT(MR) or ARMRIT.
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 Kentucky
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Wages by Metro Area in Kentucky
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), magnetic resonance imaging technologists wages in Kentucky vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | 490 | $93,600 | $90,130 | $75,140 | $102,750 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | 210 | $94,630 | $93,070 | $76,550 | $119,530 |
| Lexington-Fayette | 80 | $80,410 | $86,690 | $66,840 | $102,010 |
| Huntington-Ashland | 60 | $89,010 | $87,180 | $68,390 | $111,090 |
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 Kentucky? Kentucky currently employs approximately 650 mri technologists 1. Nationally, mri technologist employment is projected to grow 7.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Kentucky? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Kentucky.
How much do mri technologists earn in Kentucky compared to the national average? The median annual wage for mri technologists in Kentucky is $82,200, which is $5,980 below the national median of $88,180 according to BLS data 1.
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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
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
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.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / 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) |