Radiography technicians examine X-rays to earn their salaries.
Radiography technicians (also called radiologic technicians) may not have X-ray eyes, but they're trained in the field of reading radiographs, or X-ray films. Radiography technicians are also skilled in the process of protecting human bodies from radiation and preparing a patient for imaging through fluoroscopies (where a patient drinks a solution to make soft tissues visible through an X-ray procedure).
Facts
The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an annual wage for radiologic technicians across the country in 2009 as $54,180, or $26.05 per hour. While this figure represented the annual wage, radiography technicians in certain industries earned a much higher hourly rate. The scientific research and development services industry paid $31.16 per hour as the top-paying industry for the field. Also paying at a higher hourly rate was the consulting services industry at $29.79 and temporary employment services at $28.66.
Location
Radiography technicians spread all over the country were able to earn a higher-than-average hourly rate. Massachusetts was the 2009 top-paying state for the field, offering an hourly mean wage of $32.95. Also paying much higher than the median was Nevada at $31.93, Maryland at $31.64 and Hawaii at $30.51.
Considerations
Earning a salary as a radiologic technician doesn't require superpowers, but persons interested in the profession must complete one of almost 400 programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, ranging from a short-term certificate to the most common, a two-year associate degree program. Each state requires different licensing specifications for radiography technicians along with voluntary certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 17 percent rise in employment of radiologic technologists through 2018, adding 37,000 jobs across the country. The BLS cites technicians who have earned multiple credentials and have experience working different radiology procedures will be the most likely to attain a salary.
Tags: hourly rate, across country, Also paying, annual wage, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics