213,560 radiographic technologists worked in the U.S. as of 2009.
Radiographic technologists, also called radiographers or radiologic techicians, work with X-ray machines that produce specialized pictures of the human body for use in medical diagnosis. They prepare patients for examinations and maintain machines before and after use. Radiographic technologists generally report to a physician who supervises the medical diagnosis procedure. Usually, these professionals hold associate degrees in addition to state-specific licensing.
Average Salary for Radiographic Technologist
Radiographic technologists throughout the country earned an average of $54,180 annually or $26.05 per hour in 2009 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' annual salary survey. The bottom decile of radiographic technologists earned $35,700 per year while the top decile earned $75,440 per year.
Location Differences on Radiographic Technologist Salary
Massachusetts, Nevada, Maryland, Hawaii and the District of Columbia were the highest paying states for radiographic technologists. Radiographic technologists working in Massachusetts earned an average of $68,530 per year or $32.95 per hour. By comparison, radiographic technologists working in the lowest paying state, West Virginia, earned $41,400 per year or $19.91 per hour, according to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Bureau of Labor Statistics
Employer Difference in Radiographic Technologist Pay
The top five employers in terms of salary for radiographic technologists were scientific research and development services; management, scientific, and technical consulting services; employment services; office administrative services and specialty hospitals. Radiographic technologists working for scientific research and development services earned an average of $64,800 per year, according to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Licensure and Certification
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists provide oversight for licensure and certification programs for radiographic technologists. Since each state regulates radiographic technologists, there is no national standard for licensing radiologic technologists.
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