Learning advanced imaging technolgies such as bone densitometry can improve a technologist's earning potential.
A radiologic technologist operates medical machinery used to create images of the human body for diagnostic purposes. All radiologic technologists use X-ray machinery, but can train to use other techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Salary levels depend upon several factors including location and experience.
Average Salary
In figures published in May 2009, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics placed the mean annual salary for a radiologic technologist at $54,180. The median 50 percent of the radiologic technology workforce earned a mean wage of $53,240 while the top 10 percent achieved $75,440 and the lowest-earning 10 percent were listed at $35,700.
Salary by Location
In its May 2009 survey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also analyzed wage levels for radiologic technologists by location. It found that Massachusetts, Nevada and Maryland were the highest-paying states with mean salaries of $68,530, $66,420 and $65,820, respectively.
Salary by Experience
As a radiologic technologist spends more time in her chosen profession, her salary should increase to reflect her experience. PayScale.com listed, as of January 2011, the average salary for a technologist with between one and four years in the field as $30,666 to $46,685. The range for five to nine years was $23,797 to $54,054, while the range for practitioners with between 10 and 19 years of experience was $75,987 to $90,000.
Salary by Employer
PayScale.com also found variations in salary by type of employer. Private practice offered the broadest range and the highest level of average pay -- $25,000 to $52,800 -- while hospitals were listed at between $31,200 and $50,581.
Training
To qualify to operate X-ray machinery, a candidate must graduate from a program offered by a university or a medical facility. Such courses typically last between 21 and 24 months. Training in other imaging technologies is usually undertaken after gaining some professional experience and may be offered by an employer. An individual may increase her earning potential by passing a course approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This body is considered the standard-bearer for the industry, and employers often favor ARRT-registered candidates.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that demand for radiologic technologists will grow by 14 to 19 percent through 2018. As such, salaries should remain competitive. Practitioners with skills in a number of imaging techniques are likely to secure the best salaries as are those willing to work in rural or low-income areas as these locations tend to have a shortfall of professionals and thus offer attractive compensation packages to attract candidates.
Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, radiologic technologist, radiologic technologists