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Mri technologist vs sonographer

The differences between mri technologists and sonographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an mri technologist and a sonographer. Additionally, a sonographer has an average salary of $85,898, 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 sonographer are patients, sonography, and ARDMS.

Mri technologist vs sonographer overview

MRI TechnologistSonographer
Yearly salary$77,257$85,898
Hourly rate$37.14$41.30
Growth rate6%10%
Number of jobs53,12514,117
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 56%Associate Degree, 57%
Average age4543
Years of experience22

What does an mri technologist do?

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.

What does a sonographer do?

A Sonographer performs diagnostic procedures using sonographic equipment. Their duties include preparing patients, explaining the exam, and performing the procedure.

Mri technologist vs sonographer salary

Mri technologists and sonographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

MRI TechnologistSonographer
Average salary$77,257$85,898
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $138,000Between $58,000 And $125,000
Highest paying CityModesto, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companySiemens HealthineersMedical City Arlington
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between mri technologist and sonographer education

There are a few differences between an mri technologist and a sonographer in terms of educational background:

MRI TechnologistSonographer
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 56%Associate Degree, 57%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeTexas A&M UniversityDuke University

Mri technologist vs sonographer demographics

Here are the differences between mri technologists' and sonographers' demographics:

MRI TechnologistSonographer
Average age4543
Gender ratioMale, 43.6% Female, 56.4%Male, 15.0% Female, 85.0%
Race ratioBlack 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, 4.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%6%

Differences between mri technologist and sonographer duties and responsibilities

Mri technologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage and direct the ALARA program for the diagnostic imaging flight.
  • Contribute significantly to department's continuous quality improvement process; achieve ACR certification.
  • Position patients with superb quality care, professional courtesy & compassion.
  • Register, image, process, QC, and finalize all patient exams for specialist and radiologist review.
  • Perform routine MRI procedures, maintain daily QA, computer documentation, & screen patients for MRI safety.
  • Obtain and record weight, height, temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and document in EMR system.
    • Show more

Sonographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and operate the daily operations and supervision of the radiology ultrasound departments.
  • Explain ultrasound procedures to patients, record relevant medical history, reconcile and collect required data.
  • Perform all ultrasound exams, ie: Abd, OB/Gyn, small parts and vascular.
  • Pass ARDMS vascular exam at Oct.
  • Experience with ICAVL guidelines and requirements.
  • Maintain equipment, treadmill room and supply inventory.
    • Show more

Mri technologist vs sonographer skills

Common mri technologist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • ARRT, 11%
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 10%
  • Radiology, 8%
  • Magnetic Resonance, 7%
  • CPR, 7%
Common sonographer skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Sonography, 11%
  • ARDMS, 11%
  • Patient Care, 10%
  • Ultrasound Equipment, 6%
  • Ultrasound Procedures, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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