MRI technologists and radiologic technologists are some of the most understated jobs in allied health and many do not even realize how important the career is. We are going to change your view on the career in a hurry!
How to Become a Radiologic or MRI Technologist
How Long Does it Take to Become an MRI Technologist or Radiographer?
It is standard for an associates degree to take 2 years on average. So considering that both career require an associates degree, be prepared to go to school for at least 2 years. During your training you will have classroom and clinical training. Classroom studies will most likely have courses in pathology, patient care, anatomy, radiation physics, and image evaluation. Clinical training is where the hands on training is done.
Find Radiologic and MRI Technologist Programs Near You
What do Radiologic and MRI Technologists do?
Radiologic and MRI technologists typically do the following:
Maintain image equipment
Follow orders per physicians for imaging
Prep patients for procedures
Shield patients exposed areas that do not need to be imaged
Position patient and the equipment for correct imaging
Operate imaging equipment
Work with physicians to evaluate images
Detail and maintain patient records
Radiologic Technologist – Radiologic technologists handle x-rays and (CT) computed tomography imaging in most scenarios. Radiologic technologists may also work in the field of mammography. A mammographer will use a low-dose x-ray system for the production of images of the breasts.
MRI Technologist – MRI Technologists work with magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanning equipment. In most cases they they will inject their patients with a contrast dye to allow the images to show up on the scanner equipment. The MRI scanner uses magnetic fields in combination with the injected contrast agent for the production of images that can be used by a doctor or physician to diagnose medical issues and problems.
Select From Approved Radiographer and MRI Tech Programs
To choose from the accredited programs from both accrediting bodies see the links below.
Radiographer and MRI Technologist Certification
What are Some Skills of Successful Radiographers and MRI Techs?
Personal communication skills
Mathematics skills
Above average physical stamina
Technical skills
Radiographer and MRI Tech Salary and Career Outlook
The average salary for radiologic technologists is $58,440, with the highest 10% earning $84,110 and the lowest 10% earning $39,840. The average salary for MRI technologists is $69,930, with the highest 10% earning $97,460 and the lowest 10% earning $48,600. The career is going to grow an expected 13% as mentioned above over the next decade and that will mean an added 30,000 jobs for the career as a whole per bls.gov’s latest data.
Government – $63,040
Hospitals – $59,800
Medical Labs – $59,570
Outpatient Centers – $58,020
Physicians Office – $52,620
MRI Technologists get paid at differing levels based on where they work. Below are examples from bls.gov.
Outpatient Centers – $77,140
Hospitals – $69,800
Medical Labs – $69,700
Physicians Office – $69,020
Radiographer and MRI Tech Salary by State
Radiographer Salary by State
| State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $47,530 |
| Alaska | $68,520 |
| Arizona | $63,250 |
| Arkansas | $47,750 |
| California | $76,060 |
| Colorado | $63,650 |
| Connecticut | $66,150 |
| Delaware | $60,980 |
| Florida | $52,960 |
| Georgia | $51,910 |
| Hawaii | $67,090 |
| Idaho | $53,080 |
| Illinois | $62,630 |
| Indiana | $54,950 |
| Iowa | $50,410 |
| Kansas | $52,490 |
| Kentucky | $50,600 |
| Louisiana | $48,230 |
| Maine | $57,870 |
| Maryland | $65,160 |
| Massachusetts | $71,100 |
| Michigan | $53,020 |
| Minnesota | $63,830 |
| Mississippi | $47,430 |
| Missouri | $53,340 |
| Montana | $54,420 |
| Nebraska | $52,030 |
| Nevada | $68,590 |
| New Hampshire | $61,730 |
| New Jersey | $64,750 |
| New Mexico | $58,170 |
| New York | $67,400 |
| North Carolina | $56,860 |
| North Dakota | $53,040 |
| Ohio | $53,390 |
| Oklahoma | $51,450 |
| Oregon | $68,780 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,880 |
| Rhode Island | $64,410 |
| South Carolina | $51,210 |
| South Dakota | $49,440 |
| Tennessee | $50,770 |
| Texas | $55,680 |
| Utah | $55,890 |
| Vermont | $59,540 |
| Virginia | $58,890 |
| Washington | $68,830 |
| Washington DC | $76,270 |
| West Virginia | $47,080 |
| Wisconsin | $56,980 |
| Wyoming | $55,590 |
MRI Technologist Salary by State
| State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $62,890 |
| Alaska | $69,500 |
| Arizona | $68,370 |
| Arkansas | $60,157 |
| California | $69,500 |
| Colorado | $65,601 |
| Connecticut | $67,897 |
| Delaware | $67,204 |
| Florida | $69,500 |
| Georgia | $63,144 |
| Hawaii | $69,500 |
| Idaho | $69,500 |
| Illinois | $60,340 |
| Indiana | $64,221 |
| Iowa | $64,047 |
| Kansas | $69,500 |
| Kentucky | $64,849 |
| Louisiana | $69,500 |
| Maine | $59,632 |
| Maryland | $70,927 |
| Massachusetts | $75,437 |
| Michigan | $60,232 |
| Minnesota | $66,257 |
| Mississippi | $60,978 |
| Missouri | $60,081 |
| Montana | $69,500 |
| Nebraska | $68,822 |
| Nevada | $69,500 |
| New Hampshire | $67,509 |
| New Jersey | $65,226 |
| New Mexico | $62,529 |
| New York | $75,751 |
| North Carolina | $55,166 |
| North Dakota | $69,500 |
| Ohio | $64,037 |
| Oklahoma | $64,487 |
| Oregon | $65,515 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,002 |
| Rhode Island | $69,500 |
| South Carolina | $65,345 |
| South Dakota | $64,034 |
| Tennessee | $69,500 |
| Texas | $62,475 |
| Utah | $64,161 |
| Vermont | $69,507 |
| Virginia | $68,100 |
| Washington | $68,676 |
| West Virginia | $69,469 |
| Wisconsin | $63,279 |
| Wyoming | $69,500 |