North America Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Systems Market Outlook (2021-2031)

The North American magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems market is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately USD 8,142.77 million by 2031, up from USD 6,002.73 million in 2024. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2025 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

North America is recognized as a mature and leading market for MRI systems, primarily due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure and substantial investments in both public and private healthcare. The region boasts a high concentration of hospitals, diagnostic centers, and research institutions, which collectively drive the demand for cutting-edge imaging technologies. The prevalence of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers, further underscores the need for accurate and timely diagnostic tools. The swift adoption of innovative technologies, coupled with a robust reimbursement framework, reinforces North America's dominant position in the global MRI market.

A notable trend in the market is the increasing focus on patient comfort and accessibility. There is a growing demand for open MRI systems and wide-bore machines, particularly to cater to patients who experience claustrophobia or those who are bariatric. This patient-centric approach is a significant differentiator for the North American market, driving advancements not only in imaging quality but also in the design of MRI systems. The presence of major global manufacturers and a competitive market landscape ensures a continuous influx of new and innovative products.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The MRI systems market can be segmented based on type, field strength, mobility, application, and end user.

By Type: The market is divided into closed MRI systems and open MRI systems, with closed MRI systems dominating the market in 2024.
By Field Strength: MRI systems are categorized into low-field, mid-field, and high & ultra-high field systems, with mid-field MRI systems leading the market in 2024.
By Mobility: The market is segmented into fixed and portable systems, where fixed systems held the largest share in 2024.
By Application: The applications of MRI systems include neurology, oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, gynecology, and others, with neurology being the leading segment in 2024.
By End User: The end users of MRI systems include hospitals, specialty clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, academic and research institutes, among others, with hospitals accounting for the largest market share in 2024.

Market Outlook

North America is expected to maintain its leadership in the global MRI systems market, bolstered by its strong healthcare infrastructure, high levels of healthcare spending, and widespread adoption of advanced imaging technologies. The region has a significant patient population suffering from chronic and neurological diseases, including a rising incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, which heightens the demand for MRI for early and accurate diagnosis. According to the Alzheimer's Association, approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are projected to be living with Alzheimer’s by 2025, with numbers potentially reaching nearly 13 million by 2050 without major medical advancements.

The increasing incidence of brain cancer is also driving demand for advanced imaging solutions necessary for treatment planning and monitoring. The GLOBOCAN 2022 report indicated that around 28,126 new cases of brain and central nervous system cancers were diagnosed in North America in 2022, with approximately 21,314 deaths attributed to brain cancer in the same year.

Moreover, the presence of leading manufacturers, ongoing product innovations, and expedited regulatory approvals further enhance the market landscape. For instance, on June 26, 2025, Siemens Healthineers AG announced FDA clearance for its Magnetom Flow.Ace, a 1.5 tesla MRI platform that features a closed helium circuit, significantly reducing helium dependency.

Innovations such as portable and helium-free MRI systems are also transforming the regional market, improving accessibility in both urban and rural areas. While high costs remain a challenge, comprehensive insurance coverage and well-structured reimbursement policies are making MRI services more accessible. Overall, North America is poised to retain its leading position throughout the forecast period.

Country Insights

The North American MRI systems market is further segmented by country, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the United States holding the largest market share in 2024. The U.S. is a key player in the global MRI systems market, driven by high healthcare expenditure, advanced medical infrastructure, and a growing emphasis on early diagnosis and precision medicine. The presence of leading manufacturers such as GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, and Philips, which consistently introduce advanced systems, contributes to this dominance. For example, in May 2024, United Imaging Healthcare received FDA approval for their uMR Jupiter 5T MRI system.

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, including neurological disorders and cancers, has further fueled the demand for MRI systems across hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and research facilities. Government initiatives that support healthcare innovation and favorable reimbursement policies for diagnostic imaging are also pivotal. Continuous research into faster scanning technologies, low-field portable systems, and patient-friendly designs is expected to sustain the U.S.'s leadership in the MRI market, setting global standards for MRI adoption and technological progress.

Company Profiles

Key players in the North American MRI systems market include GE HealthCare, Siemens Healthineers AG, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Canon Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., HYPERFINE, INC., Esaote SPA, Shanghai United Imaging Healthcare Co., LTD, FONAR Corp., and Neusoft Medical Systems. These companies employ strategies such as market expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to remain competitive and deliver innovative solutions to their customers. Show more