MRI techs bring expertise with magnetic resonance imaging to their jobs.
MRI technicians use magnetic resonance imaging equipment to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Whether the tech works in a traditional hospital or a center dedicated to MRIs, the images they produce are used by physicians and specialists to diagnose and treat patients. If you're wondering if this career is right for you, a quick look at average compensation may help you decide.
National Averages
By looking at the compensation packages of 749 MRI technicians, online resource PayScale has calculated both average hourly wages and annual salaries for the position as of December 2010. Hourly pay varies from $23.28 to $31.36 per hour on average. Annual salaries range from $49,261 to $66,933.
Experience
An MRI tech may not reach the average salary range reported by PayScale until she has worked for 10 to 19 years. At this experience level, annual pay ranges from $49,934 to $66,566. With only five to nine years' experience, the high end of this range drops by about $4,000. For new entrants to the field with only one to four years' experience, annual pay starts much lower and averages between $39,025 and $57,738.
Location
For MRI technicians, the state of California offers the highest average salaries with annual pay ranging between $44,494 and $81,951. New Jersey and New York hold the next spots on PayScale's geographic breakdown, each with top average pay around $70,000 per year. North Carolina also ranks high on the list: its salaries span from $42,086 to $61,810.
Benefits
Anyone seriously considering entering a career as an MRI technician should also take a look at the noncash benefits offered by various employers in the field. According to PayScale, 80 percent of techs receive some form of medical coverage plan from their work. Furthermore, 66 percent get dental care and 47 percent get vision care.
Tags: magnetic resonance, magnetic resonance imaging, resonance imaging, years experience