Explore the MRI Tech vs. CT Tech career path: duties, salary data, and how to choose the right fit. Compare permanent, per diem And travel roles. Find Cross Country imaging tech jobs.

<h2>What Is an MRI Technologist?</h2>
<p>An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technologist uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues, ideal for brain, spine, joints, or soft-tissue disorders. MRIs don’t use ionizing radiation, making them safer for repeat exams but the scan process takes longer and may be challenging for claustrophobic patients&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What Is a CT Technologist?</h2>
<p>A CT (Computed Tomography) technologist operates X-ray-based scanners that capture quick, detailed cross-sectional images of bones, blood vessels, and organs. CT scans are fast and widely accessible but do involve exposure to low levels of radiation&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Key Differences Between a CT Tech vs MRI Tech</h2>
<h3>Imaging Technique &amp; Safety</h3>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li>MRI: Uses magnets and radio waves—no radiation, safer for repeated imaging, especially in soft tissue.&nbsp;</li>
  <li>CT: Uses X-rays—fast and great for bone/vessel imaging, but involves radiation exposure&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Speed &amp; Workflow</h3>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li>MRI: Longer scan times can challenge patients and slow throughput.&nbsp;</li>
  <li>CT: Scans are fast—commonly used in emergency diagnostics and high-volume settings (<a href="https://www.mtmi.net/blog/9-high-paying-radiology-tech-jobs?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MTMI</a>).&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Salary &amp; Compensation</h3>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li>MRI Techs: Median annual wage around $88,180 (May 2024) (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BLS</a>).&nbsp;</li>
  <li>CT Techs: Radiologic technologists, including CT, average $77,660 annually (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BLS</a>).&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>Travel assignments in either role often offer higher weekly pay—plus tax-free stipends for meals, incidentals, and housing.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Career Flexibility &amp; Cross-Training</h3>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li>Cross-training in both modalities boosts flexibility, job security, and earning potential. Technologists can work in permanent hospital roles, short-term travel contracts, or as-needed per diem shifts (Radiology Schools 411).&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Choosing Between Becoming an MRI Tech vs CT Tech</h2>
<p>Consider Your Strengths &amp; Preferences&nbsp;</p>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li>Prefer detailed soft tissue imaging and safety over speed? Lean MRI.&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Thrive in fast-paced, high-volume workflows, especially in emergency settings? CT may be your fit.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Think About Patient Interaction &amp; Workflow&nbsp;</p>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li>MRI involves more patient prep and longer scans—ideal if you enjoy building rapport during procedures.&nbsp;</li>
  <li>CT demands efficiency and speed—but with less extended patient interaction.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Career Growth &amp; Certification Strategy&nbsp;</p>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li>Getting dual-certified (ARRT in both MRI and CT) can open doors to permanent multimodality positions, lucrative travel contracts, and high-demand per diem shifts.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Compensation Reality Check&nbsp;</p>
<ul style="margin-left:20px">
  <li>MRI jobs can pay more overall, especially in outpatient centers ($128K median) (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BLS</a>).&nbsp;</li>
  <li>CT remains a strong entry point with plenty of permanent, per diem and travel options.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p><br /></p>
<h2>Browse MRI Tech and CT Tech Jobs with Cross Country</h2>
<p><span class="ql-cursor">﻿</span>Whether you want the consistency of a permanent hospital role, the flexibility and higher earning power of travel contracts, or the freedom of per diem shifts, Cross Country has opportunities to match your career goals.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Choose your path. Build your future. See Cross Country’s <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=MRI%20Technologist&amp;xTerm=&amp;jobType=&amp;profession=&amp;specialty=&amp;msp=&amp;shiftTypes=&amp;shiftLengths=&amp;durations=&amp;salaryMax=&amp;tags=noTags&amp;sort=relevant&amp;view=list&amp;offset=1&amp;size=9&amp;companyId=&amp;location=&amp;geoLocationRadius=100&amp;industry=&amp;schedule=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MRI</a> and <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/jobs/results?term=CT%20Tech&amp;xTerm=&amp;jobType=&amp;profession=&amp;specialty=&amp;msp=&amp;shiftTypes=&amp;shiftLengths=&amp;durations=&amp;salaryMax=&amp;tags=noTags&amp;sort=relevant&amp;view=list&amp;offset=1&amp;size=9&amp;companyId=&amp;location=&amp;geoLocationRadius=100&amp;industry=&amp;schedule=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CT Tech</a> job openings today.&nbsp;</p>


MRI Tech vs. CT Tech: Which Path Should You Choose?

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