Technologists who work with magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, perform scanning procedures for diagnostic purposes. They explain the process to patients, monitor patients during scans to ensure safety and comfort, and view images to ensure quality. The state of South Carolina requires MRI techs to have certification from the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association. Most MRI techs in South Carolina have salaries of at least $47,000 per year.
Comparisons
Median salaries for MRI technologists in South Carolina vary somewhat by city, but the numbers are relatively close, as shown by Salary.com. The median salary as of March 2011 for MRI techs in Myrtle Beach is $56,130, in Florence $58,924, in Charleston $60,153, in Spartanburg $60,400, in Aiken $60,436, in Greenville $60,445, in Hilton Head Island $60,614 and in Columbia $60,792. In comparison, the nationwide median salary for MRI techs is $64,995 per year.
Salary Range
In this grouping of South Carolina cities, the middle 50 percent of MRI techs on the earnings scale have annual salaries of $51,350 to $65,890 as of March 2011. The top 10 percent have yearly pay of at least $70,531, and the bottom 10 percent earn less than $47,000 per year. Nationwide, the middle 50-percent range for these workers is $59,460 to $70,445, which ranks Myrtle Beach and Florence in the bottom 25 percent nationwide.
Specifics
Job postings at Indeed.com for MRI techs in South Carolina in March 2011 offer full-time and part-time work, some with 12-hour shifts and some involving rotating weekends. Employers typically require an associate degree in radiologic technology and registration with a professional organization. Although job postings generally do not provide salary information, an example of benefits listed by one employer includes health, dental, vision and prescription insurance; flexible-spending healthcare accounts; life, disability and long-term care insurance; pet insurance; legal services; a retirement plan; tuition reimbursement; adoption assistance; and paid time off for vacations, holidays and extended illness.
Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of all radiologic technologists, including MRI techs, to increase faster than average through at least 2018. A growing and aging population drives increasing demand for diagnostic imaging. MRIs also are useful for monitoring the progress of certain treatments.
Tags: South Carolina, March 2011, Beach Florence, bottom percent, median salary, Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach Florence
