Xray Tech Salary

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 25th, 2010

What is the salary like in this field?

The field of radiologic technology can pay very well. According to www.bls.gov, the median salary for this profession, across the United States, is between $39,840 and $57,940. There can be a wide range of salaries depending on geographic location, years of experience, employer, and other criteria. The highest 10 percent in this profession earn over $68,920, and the lowest 10% earn less than $32,750. By having an ARRT certification, and a higher education, your potential for a higher salary increases. Also, the west coast typically pays higher salaries than in the Midwest and east coast. Hospitals usually pay better than clinics.

Learn more about radiology technician schools.

How often do Radiology Techs get reviews and raises?

There is an annual cost of living raise in this field as well as a performance based raise in most positions.

Is there room for advancement in this field?

In the field of radiologic technology there are opportunities to move into specialties such as CT, MRI, mammography, angiography and even nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine, which is similar to ultrasound, is the only area mentioned that requires extra schooling. Typically a Radiology Tech can move into the other areas when there is an opening, and they are trained on the job. They can also move into a supervisory position as a “lead RT” to help mentor and review the work of less seasoned radiology techs.

What kind of hours do Radiology Techs typically work?

Radiology Techs who work for diagnostic imaging centers, orthopedic offices, or health clinics work traditional hours. Those employed in hospital settings or who take “on call” jobs in the emergency room could work any hours. Hospital employees can work first, second, or third shift.

Learn more about radiology technician job tasks.

How do Radiology Techs get better at their job?

With extra schooling or more diversification (such as specializing in CT Scan, MRI, or angiography), Radiology Techs can learn new skills and strengthen existing ones. Also, experience along with longevity enhances a tech’s skill set, making them more efficient and quicker. The more seasoned techs tend to be more conscientious of reducing patient exposure while obtaining the best possible images. They're also less likely to have to perform repeat exams than a newer tech.

How difficult is it for someone to get a job in this field?

One of the many benefits of a job as a Radiology Tech is that there is a high demand for professionals in this field. If you have the desire and motivation to succeed in this profession, along with the necessary schooling, you should not have trouble finding an available position.