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The differences between mri technologists and technicians 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 technician. Additionally, an mri technologist has an average salary of $77,257, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for an mri technologist include patients, ARRT and magnetic resonance imaging. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| MRI Technologist | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $77,257 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $37.14 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 53,125 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Mri technologists and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| MRI Technologist | Technician | |
| Average salary | $77,257 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $138,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Modesto, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Siemens Healthineers | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | - | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an mri technologist and a technician in terms of educational background:
| MRI Technologist | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Medical Technician | Business |
| Most common college | Texas A&M University | - |
Here are the differences between mri technologists' and technicians' demographics:
| MRI Technologist | Technician | |
| Average age | 45 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 43.6% Female, 56.4% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 2% |