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The differences between mri technologists and radiologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an mri technologist, becoming a radiologist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a radiologist has an average salary of $298,405, which is higher than the $77,257 average annual salary of an mri technologist.
The top three skills for an mri technologist include patients, ARRT and magnetic resonance imaging. The most important skills for a radiologist are patients, pacs, and patient care.
| MRI Technologist | Radiologist | |
| Yearly salary | $77,257 | $298,405 |
| Hourly rate | $37.14 | $143.46 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 53,125 | 1,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 45 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
A radiologist is responsible for interpreting and evaluating medical image results to diagnose medical conditions and refer to medical professionals for immediate treatment plans. Radiologists analyze the patient's medical history to determine their medical conditions before the radiology procedure. They utilize various high-level machinery, requiring them to have strong knowledge of operating the equipment to ensure accurate results and reports. A radiologist must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in discussing the medical processes to the patients and responding to any inquiries and concerns they may have.
Mri technologists and radiologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| MRI Technologist | Radiologist | |
| Average salary | $77,257 | $298,405 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $138,000 | Between $124,000 And $714,000 |
| Highest paying City | Modesto, CA | Rochester, MN |
| Highest paying state | California | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Siemens Healthineers | Allina Health |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an mri technologist and a radiologist in terms of educational background:
| MRI Technologist | Radiologist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Medical Technician |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | Texas A&M University |
Here are the differences between mri technologists' and radiologists' demographics:
| MRI Technologist | Radiologist | |
| Average age | 45 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4% | Male, 41.4% Female, 58.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.6% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 13% |