What is 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.
What Do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Do On a Daily Basis?
- 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.
- Write reports or notes to summarize testing procedures or outcomes for physicians or other medical professionals.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
- Operate optical systems to capture dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, such as functional brain imaging, real-time organ motion tracking, or musculoskeletal anatomy and trajectory visualization.
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Things a MRI Tech Should Know How to Do
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.
Types of MRI Tech Jobs
- Medical Imaging Director
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator (MRI Coordinator)
- MRI Supervisor (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Supervisor)
- MRI Special Procedures Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Special Procedures Technologist)
- MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist)
Job Outlook for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,500 job openings in this field each year.

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
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists make between $50,220 and $99,180 a year.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists who work in Washington, Hawaii, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists make 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?
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
How to Become a MRI Tech
What kind of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist requirements are there?

What work experience do I need 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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