What You Need to Know About Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
Example of MRI Tech Job Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.
Daily Life Of a MRI Tech
- Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
- Schedule appointments for research subjects or clinical patients.
- Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console or peripheral hardware.
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What a MRI Tech Should Know
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles
- Staff Technologist
- Medical Imaging Director
- Staff Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Staff MRI Technologist)
- MRI Special Procedures Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Special Procedures Technologist)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator (MRI Quality Assurance Coordinator)
Are There Job Opportunities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 36,600 jobs in the United States for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,900 new jobs for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,500 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for MRI Tech are Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Illinois, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a MRI Tech Make?
The typical yearly salary for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists is somewhere between $50,220 and $99,180.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists who work in Washington, Hawaii, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $59,420 |
Alaska | $85,730 |
Arizona | $79,120 |
Arkansas | $58,240 |
California | $90,890 |
Colorado | $79,100 |
Connecticut | $78,840 |
Delaware | $75,080 |
District of Columbia | $84,800 |
Florida | $63,190 |
Georgia | $68,090 |
Hawaii | $88,620 |
Idaho | $70,320 |
Illinois | $74,010 |
Indiana | $64,710 |
Iowa | $60,280 |
Kansas | $64,960 |
Kentucky | $67,980 |
Louisiana | $60,520 |
Maine | $72,750 |
Maryland | $71,620 |
Massachusetts | $84,880 |
Michigan | $62,300 |
Minnesota | $78,740 |
Mississippi | $59,960 |
Missouri | $63,400 |
Montana | $69,940 |
Nebraska | $67,210 |
Nevada | $87,960 |
New Hampshire | $73,400 |
New Jersey | $81,650 |
New Mexico | $71,850 |
New York | $81,010 |
North Carolina | $67,260 |
North Dakota | $62,900 |
Ohio | $65,100 |
Oklahoma | $63,330 |
Oregon | $87,480 |
Pennsylvania | $65,460 |
Rhode Island | $77,060 |
South Carolina | $60,700 |
South Dakota | $60,000 |
Tennessee | $59,860 |
Texas | $70,510 |
Utah | $66,420 |
Vermont | $81,030 |
Virginia | $70,370 |
Washington | $91,290 |
West Virginia | $66,430 |
Wisconsin | $68,080 |
Wyoming | $64,430 |
What Tools & Technology do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- MEDITECH software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Appointment scheduling software
- Teleradiology systems
Becoming a MRI Tech
Individuals working as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a MRI Tech?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Sector

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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