X-ray technicians produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
An X-ray technician, also referred to as a radiologic technician, is a health care professional who uses radiological technologies to produce X-ray films or photographs of body parts. These professionals also properly maintain radiological equipment. Most obtain specialized training for this occupation and many states require a license to practice professionally.
National Average Salary
In October 2010, PayScale reported a national average salary ranging between $15.42 and $23.13 per hour for this occupation. Employers often offer bonuses and profit sharing as part of their compensation package. Yearly bonuses averaged between $195.52 and $1,169 per year, and profit sharing averaged between $976 and $4,000 per year. The total salary ranged between $33,132 and $50,503 per year.
Educational Paths
A variety of educational programs are available for this occupation and educational requirements for licensing vary by state. Those who obtained an associate degree in radiology made an average salary ranging between $17.86 and $34.50 per hour and professionals who obtained an associate degree in radiologic technology earned an average salary ranging between $17.78 and $25.50 per hour. Those who received professional certification made an average salary ranging between $30,162 and $48,347 per year.
Geography
Salary can vary based on the location of the job. Variances are because of the cost of living in a specific area, the demand for these types of workers and number of employers in the region. PayScale reported the highest wages in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, averaging between $22.19 and $31.54 per hour.
Industries
X-ray technicians work in a variety of health care industries. Medical service providers who perform outpatient diagnostic testing paid an average wage of $15.28 to $23.37 per hour. Hospitals paid average wages ranging from $15.66 to $23.76, while orthopedic surgery offices paid wages from $14.86 to $22.42 per hour.
Experience
Like many occupations, employers pay higher wages for those with more professional experience. PayScale reported 46 percent of X-ray technicians in October 2010 had between one and four years of experience, making average wages between $14.65 and $20.51 per hour. The highest wages were reported for those with over 20 years of experience, making average wages between $19.24 and $29.37 per hour.
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