A radiologic technologist must be licensed by the state.
Radiologic technologists, sometimes known as radiographers, produce X-ray images that physicians use in diagnosis of injury and disease. The technologist may also be trained in other internal imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging and bone densitometry. With each technique, the technologist consults with the physician to determine the images required, explains the procedure to the patient, conducts the procedure and develops the picture on acetate or video screen. He will also maintain the imaging equipment and keep detailed procedural records. Salary levels for the occupation depend on employment factors such as location.
Average Salary
In its 2009 survey of salaries throughout the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collated pay data from over 200,000 individuals working as radiologic technologists and technicians. The average annual salary for the profession was $54,180 per year. This is roughly equidistant between two figures produced by wage comparison websites in 2011. Salary.com puts the average salary for a radiologic technologist at $48,409 while Indeed.com has it at $61,000. The BLS also reported that those among the top 10 percent of earners received an average of $75,440 while those in the bottom 10 percent earned $35,700 per year.
Salary by Industry
The majority of radiologic technologists work in general medical and surgical hospitals or the private offices of physicians. The BLS reported that the average salaries for technologists in these sectors of the health care industry were $54,770 and $50,860 respectively. Medical and diagnostic laboratories were listed at $57,250 and outpatient care centers at $52,950. Positions within federal government agencies paid an average of $56,140 while speciality hospitals offered average yearly wages of $58,320.
Salary by Location
Massachusetts, Nevada and Maryland were the states listed by the BLS as having the best pay rates for radiologic technologists across all industry sectors --- $68,530, $66,420 and $65,820 respectively. West Virginia was listed at just $41,400. The metropolitan district with the best compensation levels was given as the San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara area of California, $78,300 per year while, in contrast, Jackson, Tennessee offered only $44,660. Pay analysis website SalaryExpert.com found that, across some of America's major cities, New York and Dallas were lucrative locations, with average wages of $75,554 and $71,103 respectively. Orlando, Florida was listed at just $52,711.
Prospects
Estimates published by the BLS suggest that employment opportunities for radiologic technologists will increase by around 17 percent through 2018. This growth will be motivated by an expanding, aging population requiring increasing levels of diagnostic imaging services. Such technologies will also be used to monitor the efficacy of treatment. Salary levels for the profession should, therefore, remain very competitive. Individuals with training and experience in several imaging techniques are likely to secure the best salary packages.
Tags: radiologic technologists, average while, listed just, radiologic technologist, reported that