How Much Do Radiology Technicians Make?

If you're interested in pursuing a career in the field of radiography, there are a number of variables that will factor into your employment and salary, including the area of the country where you're based, your employer, your level of education and certification, and how marketable your skills are after you've completed your primary education.

Employment Outlook

As more and more people retire in the U.S. every year, healthcare fields are seeing an increase in available jobs. For instance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical fields encompassed by radiologic technology are expected to experience a “faster than average” rate of growth rate (between 14 percent and 19 percent) into 2018. In 2008, there were approximately 208,000 people in the field, so this anticipated growth rate equates to nearly 35,000 new jobs in the next eight years.

Professionals who possess knowledge of multiple systems (and therefore possess multiple certifications) will have the most marketable skills for advancement. The ability to conduct CT scans and MRI scans, in particular, is very appealing to employers who want to use these methods before—and sometimes instead of—x-ray technology because they produce clearer images. Additionally, with the steady advancements being made in technology, medical equipment is becoming more and more mobile, so the availability of these jobs in places other than hospitals will increase. Currently, hospitals account for the vast majority of all radiographic positions, followed distantly by private physicians, diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers, and military facilities.

A truly important consideration that often gets overlooked is that of job location. Those who are able and willing to relocate will have the best chances at job placement in their desired field. As is the case with most jobs, there are saturated areas of the country and areas where deficits are evident. For example, the state with the highest employment in the field of radiology is Tennessee, followed by Kentucky, West Virginia, Rhode Island, and South Dakota.

Salary Estimates

The salary outlook for radiography professionals is quite positive. In 2008, the national average for salary in the radiology field was between $16.87 and $36.04 per hour, or $35,100 to $74,970 per year. For a profession that is expecting such a strong growth, these are compelling statistics to keep in mind when deciding your career path.

For those who take the further step of planning ahead for higher radiologic positions, such as radiologic assistant, administrator, director, or beyond, the advantages can be significant. Starting your career as a radiologic technologist with a bachelor's degree, and then pursuing further certifications, will certainly allow you to achieve job stability and a high salary that much sooner, though the initial commitment will be more challenging. Since positions such as radiologic assistant require a bachelor's degree, in addition to other components, having that level of education at the outset will potentially smooth your advancement in the future.

Article Resources:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2008