The field of radiology involves the use of techniques such as X-rays to look inside the body and diagnose medical conditions under the direction of a physician. Employees prepare patients for exams, explain procedures, position patients in the radiology machine and run procedures. One of their primary goals is to protect the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure. More advanced practitioners in radiology can also interpret the radiographic images.
Jobs
The biggest factor affecting salary in the radiology field is the type of job. According to The PayScale Report as of May 2010, radiologists can expect the highest yearly average at $85,000, followed closely by physician assistants, who earn $82,010. At the lower end, registered dental assistants get $25,490, while certified dental assistants make $30,000. Finally, radiology managers received $72,945, registered nurses are paid $60,750 and radiology techs are compensated at $42,475.
Experience
In general, the greater the experience, the higher the salary with those starting out expecting an average of $40,000 per year. Those with one to four years under their belts receive $48,385, while those with five to nine years make $55,971. At 10 to 19 years, they get $64,089 and add 20 or more years, they are paid $72,756.
Employer
Compensation can vary greatly among employers, with those in colleges and universities averaging the most at $110,000 per year. The federal government pays $43,090, while states and local jurisdictions grant $71,617. Self-employed workers make $60,000, while those in private practice receive $43,528. Finally, those working for hospitals make $61,790, and those in nonprofit organizations get $30,500.
Location
The city of employment can adjust pay, with workers in Chicago averaging the highest pay at $95,000 annually. Those in New York earn $57,391, while those in Atlanta make $70,000. Employees in Houston receive $69,950, and those in Austin get $55,000. Finally, radiology experts in Colorado Springs are paid $45,980, while those in Denver make $54,750. As for states, California averages the highest pay at $76,000, followed by Florida at $70,000. On the opposite end, Texas pays $50,080, followed by Georgia at $43,448.
Outlook
Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not define jobs according to skill, its predictions for radiology techs can prove a useful guide for those in the radiology field. This government department expects jobs to increase by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than average for all professions. The growing and aging population will demand more radiologic imaging to diagnose medical conditions and monitor treatment success.
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