MRI machines require operation by MRI techs.
When doctors can't determine the cause of your medical problem, a look inside your body is often necessary. The most common technique for doing that is an X-ray, which reveals only bones and other hard substances. To view soft tissue, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is more useful. This method uses a magnetic field to image the brain, muscles, heart and any cancer that may be present. It is thus considered less harmful than the radiation involved with X-rays. MRI does need the skilled hand of a technician for successful operation.
Description
An MRI technician uses MRI scanners to image specific parts of the body as requested by doctors to help with diagnosis. He must be able to position the patient correctly in the scanner, prepare and operate the equipment and record the images. Most MRI techs work for hospitals and imaging centers.
Experience
Experience is a big factor in determining the salary range. According to PayScale, as of March 2010, an MRI tech with one to four years of experience earns $39,999 to $60,638 per year. Those with five to nine years earn $47,932 to $62,538 and those with 10 to 19 years make $58,739 to $67,759. Finally, those with 20 or more years get paid $60,882 to $79,804.
Location
Location can affect the salary range. According to PayScale, MRI technicians in California make $56,993 to $66,813. Those in New York earn $47,000 to $62,510. Those in Pennsylvania show a wide range at $37,340 to $64,453, and those in Texas earn $40,000 to $63,854.
Industry
The industry for which the technician works also influences salary. According to PayScale, those working for hospitals earn $44,219 to $66,129, while those in health care services earn $49,400 to $72,414. MRI technicians employed in radiology centers show the widest range at $39,500 to $71,500 while those in diagnostic imaging centers show a narrower range at $54,994 to $67,007.
Other Considerations
Almost exactly the opposite of many professions, females earn $47,000 to $66,813, which is more than what males make: $45,000 to 63,763, according to PayScale. Technicians working for general hospitals earn less, at $41,290 to $65,547, than those in physicians' offices and private practice, at $53,062 to $74,000.
Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth for all radiologic technicians, including MRI, is expected to increase by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than average for all occupations. Because the American population is aging, the chance for injury and illness increases, thus requiring more diagnostic imaging.
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