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Career overview · SOC 29-2035

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

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.

Also called: MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator) · MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator) · MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer) · MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist) · MRI Tech (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician) · MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist)

Median pay (national)
$88,180
$64,910–$121,420 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
41,530
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+7.1%
~2,600 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $121,420 versus $64,910 at the bottom 10% — 1.9x. The median of $88,180 leaves roughly 38% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +7.1% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 2,600 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, California pays the most for this role (median $122,470, +39% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $41,960 — a 192% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Science
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
  • Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
  • Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
  • Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
  • Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
  • Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
  • Take brief medical histories from patients.
  • Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
  • Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
  • Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.

Tools & technology

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • MEDITECH software
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
  • Medical image processing software
  • Radiology information systems (RIS)
  • Teleradiology systems
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word

Knowledge areas

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Physics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Education and Training
  • Biology