What Does it Take to Be a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?
Job Description & Duties 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
- Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
- Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
- Troubleshoot technical issues related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner or peripheral equipment, such as monitors or coils.
- Attach physiological monitoring leads to patient’s finger, chest, waist, or other body parts.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Conduct inventories to maintain stock of clinical supplies.
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MRI Tech Required Skills
These are the skills Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists say are the most useful in their careers:
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 for this Occupation:
- MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist)
- Imaging Technologist
- Staff Technologist
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Director
- Technologist
MRI Tech Job Outlook
There were about 36,600 jobs for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Average Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Salary
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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in different U.S. states.
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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists may use on a daily basis:
- 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
How do I Become a MRI Tech?
What education is needed to be a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist?

How Long Does it Take to Become a MRI Tech?

Where Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Work

The table below shows the approximate number of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists employed by various industries.

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