Entry-level radiologic technologists earn about $44,500 a year.
MRI technology is a sub-specialty of the radiologic technology field. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, an imaging technique that utilizes radio frequency to take cross-sectional images that combine to create a 3-dimensional image. A patient is first exposed to a strong magnetic force, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technicians, then radio frequency is used to knock the body's atoms out of alignment. When the radio frequency is stopped, the atoms realign and send off signals the scanner reads to create the image. The pay scale for MRI technologists depends on experience and location.
National Average Pay Scale
According to the employment survey conducted in 2009 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists were paid $54,000 a year on average. The highest 10 percent were being paid $75,000 a year while the lowest 10 percent were being paid $36,000 a year.
Higher Pay Scales
Technologists reported higher pay in certain states in 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who worked in the District of Columbia were paid $63,000 a year, while those in Maryland earned $66,000 a year. Alaskan radiologic technologists were earning $51,000 a year, while technologists in Massachusetts earned $68,000, the highest reported average for that year.
Lower Pay Scales
In other states, primarily where the cost of living is lower, technologists reported earnings lower than the national average pay scale. Puerto Rico and Guam were the two lowest-paid areas for radiologic technologists, with averages of $26,000 a $33,000 a year respectively. West Virginia came in third at $41,000 a year. Other lower-paying states included Iowa at $46,000, Alabama at $45,000 and Arkansas at $44,000.
Getting Ahead
The more education and understanding of the specialties of radiography, the more a technologist can advance in his career, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to MRI technologist, there are mammography, bone densitometry and cardiovascular-interventional radiography specialties, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. With further education, a technologist can advance to supervisory positions or radiographer assistant. With a master's degree, he can even move up into a director's position.
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