Doctors order magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, to obtain images of the interior structures of the body to help diagnose and treat illness. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies a professional who operates this equipment as a type of radiologic technologist. The average salary of an MRI technologist in Mobile, Alabama, is lower than the nationwide average for this occupation.
Job Features
An MRI technologist interviews the patient, explains the procedure and answers questions. She provides an oral or injected contrast agent, a substance necessary for imaging. During the imaging procedure, the technologist monitors the patient's comfort and safety while viewing the scanned area. MRI technologists update information in computer records as well.
Salary Range
The median salary for an MRI technologist in Mobile was $59,720 per year as of February 2011, according to Salary.com. The middle 50 percent of those on the earnings range were making $54,630 to $64,730 per year. The bottom 10 percent had salaries at $50,000 and below, and the top 10 percent were making more than $69,280 per year. In comparison, the median salary nationwide for MRI technologists was about $64,920. The middle 50 percent range nationwide was $59,380 to $70,360. The bottom 10 percent had annual salaries at $54,355 and below, and the top 10 percent were making more than $75,310 per year.
Potential
With several years of experience, an individual can advance to the position of chief MRI technologist and earn a significantly higher salary. In Mobile, a chief MRI technologist had a median annual salary of about $70,550 as of February 2011, according to Salary.com. The middle 50-percent range for this occupation was $63,660 to $76,130. The top 10 percent were making more than $81,210 per year, and the bottom 10 percent had annual salaries below $57,400. Nationwide, the median salary for a chief MRI technologist was $76,680 per year.
Outlook
The BLS says employment in radiologic technology should have fast growth and increase by about 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. Techs who are proficient in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure will have the best opportunities. Job listings at Indeed.com show that some employers require or prefer candidates who can operate computed tomography and mammography equipment in addition to MRI scanners.
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