A magnetic resonance imaging technician or technologist operates a scanner to produce detailed multidimensional images of interior body structures. Doctors use these images to diagnose and treat illness. MRI techs commonly have skills in other radiologic areas, such as computed tomography; a combination of skills in this field boosts job opportunities. Most MRI technicians receive at least $59,000 annually, at the time of publication.
Broad Category Data
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics posts salary data for all radiologic technicians and technologists combined, including X-ray technicians, rather than for MRI techs in particular. Their average salary, as of May 2010, was $26.80 per hour, or $55,730 per year. The median salary, or the number in the exact middle of all the salary figures for this occupation, was $26.13 per hour, or $54,340 per year. The middle 50 percent had pay rates of $21.25 to $31.53 per hour, or $44,200 to $65,590 per year. The bottom 10 percent were making $17.55 per hour and less, and the top 10 percent $36.95 and higher, or $76,850 and more.
MRI Tech Salary Range
The median annual salary for MRI techs in particular, at the time of publication, is $64,696, according to Salary.com. That translates to about $31.10 per hour. The middle 50 percent get paid $59,183 to $70,118 annually. The bottom 10 percent have salaries at or below $54,163 per year, and the top 10 percent earn $75,055 per year and more.
High-Paying Locations
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows some high-paying locations for radiologic technicians and technologists in general. Salary.com confirms higher-than-average salaries for MRI techs in Bethesda, Maryland, where their median salary is $70,519 annually; in Honolulu, Hawaii, at $71,490; in Boston, Massachusetts, at $72,266; in Anchorage, Alaska, at $73,819; and in San Jose, California, at $77,636. The top 10 percent of MRI techs in San Jose earn more than $90,000 per year.
Advancement
With experience, an MRI technician or technologist can advance to the position of chief MRI technologist for a more lucrative salary. The median annual pay rate for these health care workers is $76,404 at the time of publication, according to Salary.com. The middle 50 percent of chief MRI technologists earn $68,941 to $82,452 per year, and the top 10 percent more than $87,958. Only the bottom 10 percent have salaries at or below $62,147 annually.
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