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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in California
Considering working as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in California? Here’s what the data says. Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.
What do Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Make in California?
For magnetic resonance imaging technologists working in California, the typical annual salary is $122,470 per year (or about $58.88/hour).Earnings range from $73,800 at the 10th percentile to $169,530 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,800 | $35.48 |
| 25th percentile | $93,220 | $44.82 |
| Median (50th) | $122,470 | $58.88 |
| 75th percentile | $146,570 | $70.47 |
| 90th percentile | $169,530 | $81.51 |
The job concentration index in California compared to the national average — is 0.66, meaning fewer magnetic resonance imaging technologists per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn a median of $48,543 per year ($23.34/hour), higher than the California median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 1,628,999 magnetic resonance imaging technologists across the United States. In California alone, around 3,220 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 510 magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
Top California Metros for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
The metro areas below employ the most magnetic resonance imaging technologists in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 1,140 | $114,380 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 370 | $147,480 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 340 | $98,280 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 270 | $123,850 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 220 | $133,870 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 210 | $170,590 |
| Fresno, CA | 100 | $105,810 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 70 | $97,320 |
| Modesto, CA | 50 | $105,450 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 50 | $97,630 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 40 | $119,760 |
| Vallejo, CA | 30 | $170,290 |
Top States for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists Employment
View the states that employ the most magnetic resonance imaging technologists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 3,220 |
| Florida | 3,220 |
| New York | 3,030 |
| Illinois | 2,790 |
| Texas | 2,340 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,060 |
| Ohio | 1,610 |
| Georgia | 1,430 |
| Massachusetts | 1,420 |
| Michigan | 1,360 |
| Missouri | 1,360 |
| New Jersey | 1,290 |
| North Carolina | 1,160 |
| Virginia | 1,140 |
| Tennessee | 950 |
| Washington | 930 |
| Indiana | 760 |
| Maryland | 750 |
| Minnesota | 750 |
| Arizona | 710 |
Highest-Paying States for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Where magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn the most: magnetic resonance imaging technologists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $122,470 |
| Hawaii | $122,060 |
| Washington | $114,430 |
| District of Columbia | $111,260 |
| Oregon | $110,160 |
| Delaware | $106,070 |
| New York | $104,740 |
| Massachusetts | $104,430 |
| Rhode Island | $104,160 |
| Maryland | $102,760 |
Skills
Top magnetic resonance imaging technologists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists typically:
- Review physicians' orders to confirm prescribed exams.
- Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
- Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
- Test magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to ensure proper functioning and performance in accordance with specifications.
- Create backup copies of images by transferring images from disk to storage media or workstation.
- Instruct medical staff or students in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures or equipment operation.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Getting Information
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Processing Information
- Controlling Machines and Processes
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: eClinicalWorks EHR software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
Related Careers
Careers similar to magnetic resonance imaging technologists include:
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Radiation Therapists
- Respiratory Therapists
- Cardiologists
- Radiologists
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Also Known As
Imaging Technologist, MRI Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Coordinator), MRI QA Coordinator (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quality Assurance Coordinator), MRI Radiographer (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiographer), MRI Special Procedures Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Special Procedures Technologist), MRI Specialist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Specialist), MRI Tech (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician), MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist), Research MRI Technologist (Research Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist), Travel MRI Tech (Travel Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician).
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-2035.00