MRI techs earn good money performing medical imaging for health care providers.
MRI radiologic technicians are radiologic techs who specialize in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. Where traditional radiologic technicians work with machinery such as X-ray equipment that produce a 2-D image, MRI techs use equipment that takes multiple images and uses them to create a 3-D picture of a body section. Instead of using radiation, MRI machines use radio frequency and magnetic fields to create its images. MRI techs are well paid and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job prospects for radiologic techs are higher than average through 2018.
Job Description
MRI techs operate MRI equipment as part of a medical team. They are responsible for setting up any testing, which includes preparing the patient, explaining the procedure and adjusting any equipment. MRI techs monitor the patient during the imaging and record any necessary data. Once the imaging is complete, the tech processes the images and presents the results to other health care professionals for readings and diagnosis. They are also responsible for maintaining the equipment. MRI techs receive several years of training, often culminating in an associate's or bachelor's degree. Many states require professional certification and licensing.
Average Salary
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the average 2007 annual salary for a MRI tech was $61,928, with top earners receiving as much as $83,638 a year. Salary.com reports that the median salary for MRI techs was $64,916 as of February 2011. The middle 50 percent of techs earned between $59,388 and $70,357.
MRI vs. Radiologic Tech
MRI techs earn more than traditional radiologic technicians do. The BLS reported that the median annual salary for a radiologic technician in May 2009 was $53,240. This is reflective of the additional education and training a MRI tech receives. Many MRI techs must be a registered radiologic technician before they can qualify as a MRI tech.
Differing Factors
Experience and geography dramatically affect the pay of MRI and radiologic techs. MRI techs begin at a much lower starting salary than the average MRI tech receives. The AMA reports that MRI techs with less than two years of experience made an average annual salary of $48,371. According to the BLS, radiologic techs in Massachusetts, Nevada, Maryland, Hawaii and the District of Columbia were some of the highest paid in the nation in May 2009, with median annual salaries ranging from $63,270 to $68,530 --- $10,000 to $15,000 more than the national median annual salary.
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