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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in California

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
Salary ranges for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in California

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.

Forecasted number of jobs for 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:

Reading Comprehension  3.9 / 5
0
5
Active Listening  3.8 / 5
0
5
Monitoring  3.8 / 5
0
5
Speaking  3.6 / 5
0
5
Operations Monitoring  3.6 / 5
0
5
Critical Thinking  3.4 / 5
0
5

Knowledge Areas

Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Customer and Personal Service  4.2 / 5
0
5
English Language  4.0 / 5
0
5
Physics  4.0 / 5
0
5
Computers and Electronics  3.6 / 5
0
5
Public Safety and Security  3.5 / 5
0
5
Medicine and Dentistry  3.5 / 5
0
5

Abilities

The abilities that matter most for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Oral Expression  4.0 / 5
0
5
Near Vision  4.0 / 5
0
5
Oral Comprehension  4.0 / 5
0
5
Written Comprehension  3.9 / 5
0
5
Problem Sensitivity  3.6 / 5
0
5
Written Expression  3.5 / 5
0
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:

  • Allied Health Professions

Careers similar to magnetic resonance imaging technologists include:

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

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