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The differences between computed tomography technologists and mri technologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a computed tomography technologist and an mri technologist. Additionally, an mri technologist has an average salary of $77,257, which is higher than the $60,749 average annual salary of a computed tomography technologist.
The top three skills for a computed tomography technologist include patients, CT and ARRT. The most important skills for an mri technologist are patients, ARRT, and magnetic resonance imaging.
| Computed Tomography Technologist | MRI Technologist | |
| Yearly salary | $60,749 | $77,257 |
| Hourly rate | $29.21 | $37.14 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 51,721 | 53,125 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 56% |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Computed tomography (CT) technologists use CT equipment to take images of a patient's body. CT technologists locate any possible internal injuries and diagnose related diseases. They prepare patients for examinations by answering questions then by positioning them for minimum radiation exposure. To perform their job well, they are using radiation safety practices and industry-standard techniques. It is also part of their job to provide patients with direct care and enforce improvement procedures.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technologists are medical professionals who manage everything involved in the MRI machine. They operate the machines to get scans of the patients' brain, spinal cord, or muscles, which would help doctors identify or diagnose clients' illnesses and diseases. They help the patients prepare for the MRI scans and ensure that they are properly protected. They also carefully take direction from attending physicians to ensure that they scan the correct body part needed for the diagnosis. MRI technologists are also in charge of maintaining the MRI machine and working on repairs whenever needed.
Computed tomography technologists and mri technologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Computed Tomography Technologist | MRI Technologist | |
| Average salary | $60,749 | $77,257 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $106,000 | Between $42,000 And $138,000 |
| Highest paying City | Oakland, CA | Modesto, CA |
| Highest paying state | Hawaii | California |
| Best paying company | Philips Medical Systems | Siemens Healthineers |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a computed tomography technologist and an mri technologist in terms of educational background:
| Computed Tomography Technologist | MRI Technologist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 57% | Associate Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | Texas A&M University |
Here are the differences between computed tomography technologists' and mri technologists' demographics:
| Computed Tomography Technologist | MRI Technologist | |
| Average age | 43 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.9% Female, 60.1% | Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 6.0% White, 73.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 10.4% White, 69.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 12% |