An x-ray tube cathode with magnetic electron beam steering. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube cathode includes a cathode head and an electron emitter. The cathode head includes electrically conductive and non-magnetic material integrated with magnetic material. The cathode head defines an emitter slot in a portion of electrically conductive and non-magnetic material positioned between two portions of magnetic material. The electron emitter is positioned within the emitter slot. The electron emitter is configured to emit a beam of electrons. The beam of electrons is configured to be both focused by the electrically conductive and non-magnetic material and steered during beam formation by the magnetic material.