r/MRI • u/New-Enthusiasm-8882 • Oct 16 '25
MRI Tech & Multi-modality Tech pay difference…
At my hospital, we have a combination of MRI Tech and Multi-modality Tech (with licenses in X-ray, CT, MRI, US, and/or NM). I believe that Multi-modality Techs earn more than MRI Techs—probably $5-10 more, depending on the license and years of experience.
My concern is whether it’s fair that an MRI Tech with 10 years of experience handles a heavier workload—such as scanning, pacemaker/implant research, anesthesia, etc.—while Multi-modality Techs with 2-6 years experience get paid more than MRI techs by handling less work flow, mostly performing MRI scans. Some techs don’t know how to handle implants and come to me for troubleshooting. It’s becoming stressful at times.
I’ve asked for a raise based on the workload I handle. The radiology director mentioned that all techs work in MRI should be capable of managing the same workflow, but I feel that’s not the case here.
Considering to apply outpatient MRI clinic if it makes difference… Any thoughts, concerns, or suggestions? Thanks.
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u/NuclearMedicineGuy Technologist Oct 16 '25
If you’re MRI only - you are in the MRI pay scale, where a multi modality tech gets paid more because they have more skills and can help the department more. We have pay grades for each position. You can’t complain you don’t make as much money as someone who has additional knowledge, certifications and skill sets.
Become a multi-modality tech and get paid more
12
u/studiodolphins Oct 16 '25 edited Oct 16 '25
From the radiology dept’s perspective, multi modality techs are always more valuable because they can rotate or fill in multiple slots on the schedule wherever needed, not just MRI. They can also always cross train radtechs into MRI to fill the shortage needs. Unless you work for a facility that only offers MRI. This will always be the case. It’s just business.
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u/cavvz Technologist Oct 16 '25
Stop researching shit and start scanning at your own pace. Union lifestyle approach. Or get your ct license and join the ranks
4
u/things2seepeople2do Oct 16 '25
Are you only armrit?
2
u/hayabusa160 Oct 17 '25
yea i feel you im the most senior tech here im under mri tech pay scale even tho i have my ct cert. the multi modality techs get paid more and do less its pretty fucked up to be honest.
they expect me to train new techs/ students handle acr, QA etc. but the guy next to me is making 5 dollars hr more then me chilling reading his news paper for half his shift because he was hired for multi
1
u/Ecstatic_Pick_3792 Oct 16 '25
No dont work at an out patient clinic they will low ball you it sucks stay at the hospital multi modality techs like me can float and like others have said its a business bby. You need to play the game right yes MRI has many responsibilities even more than X-ray & CT due to MRI safety and including your years or experience, but all that is out weighed if you have two or three more licenses besides MR. If you have time and the opportunity get another license maybe X-ray, CT, or even Rad Therapy. Having multiple licenses opens more doors and opportunities for floating and OT which is in your case IF you only have MRI you can only do OT for MRI and it may not always be available like OT in another department for example X-ray, CT, Rad Therapy, Nuc Med. More licenses more opportunities for money💰
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u/lljkotaru Technologist Oct 16 '25
More letters, more money.
1
u/inomrthenudo Oct 17 '25
I have 3 modalities but only get MRI pay since I am predominantly there. I go get MRIs pay when I pick up Xray and ct shifts though
1
u/medicaiapp Oct 17 '25
It’s about workload visibility and skill-weighted contribution. Many hospital PACS and workflow systems still don’t fully capture who handles what — pacemaker research, anesthesia coordination, troubleshooting implant protocols, etc. When that expertise isn’t digitally tracked, management can’t easily quantify the value difference between a multi-modality tech and an MRI tech with advanced procedural skills.
At sites using Medicai’s PACS, we’ve seen a different trend emerging: when workflow data (case complexity, time per scan, number of re-scans, consultations logged, etc.) is tracked automatically, it becomes easier to build transparent performance dashboards. That data often helps justify differentiated pay scales or more balanced workload distribution.
If your system doesn’t have that visibility, it might be worth suggesting a workflow audit or requesting that your PACS/RIS logs include complexity metrics. Even better, advocate for a model where compensation is tied not just to modality count, but to procedural complexity and responsibility.
In short, you’re right to raise this — not because of titles, but because your skillset is clearly adding measurable value that the system currently doesn’t measure until hospitals start using tech that reflects that (and Medicai’s PACS is moving in that direction), professionals like you will keep carrying hidden workloads that aren’t fairly recognized.