X-ray technicians capture images of bones.
X-ray technicians, also referred to as radiologic technicians, use x-ray machines to produce images that show bones and internal organs. X-ray technicians may also pursue continuing education opportunities that will allow them to specialize in CT or MRI scans. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that job opportunities for X-ray technicians would increase by 17 percent from 2008 through 2018.
National Average
X-ray technicians employed in the United States earned an average annual salary of $53,230 and an average hourly wage of $25.59 as of May 2008, according to the BLS. Radiologic technicians earned a median annual salary of $52,210 and a median hourly wage of $25.10 as of May 2008.
Employers
X-ray technicians employed in hospitals earned an average annual salary of $53,790 and an average hourly wage of $25.86 while radiologic technicians employed by outpatient care facilities earned an average annual salary of $51,290 and an average hourly wage of $24.66 as of May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Physician offices paid X-ray technicians an average annual salary of $50,210 and an average hourly wage of $24.14 as of May 2008.
Highest-Paying Areas
X-ray technicians employed in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada and New Jersey earned higher wages than the national average with salaries ranging from $61,780 to $67,240 and hourly wages ranging from $29.70 to $32.33 as of May 2008, according to the BLS. X-ray technicians employed in metropolitan areas like San Jose and Oakland areas in California, the Bangor area in Maine, the Boston area in Massachusetts and the Frederick area in Maryland earned salaries ranging from $69,130 to $76,580 and hourly wages ranging from $33.24 to $36.82 as of May 2008.
Highest-Job Concentration States
States that have the highest radiologic technician job concentration include Kentucky, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia. X-ray technicians employed in these states earned salaries ranging from $41,660 to $60,970 and hourly wages ranging from $20.03 to $29.31, according to the BLS as of May 2008.
Highest Job Concentration Metropolitan Areas
Metropolitan areas that have the highest radiologic technician job concentration include the Punta Gorda area in Florida, the Jackson and Johnson City areas in Tennessee and the Tyler area in Texas. X-ray technicians employed in these metropolitan areas earned salaries ranging from $43,870 to $56,200 and hourly wages ranging from $21.09 to $27.02, according to the BLS, as of May 2008.
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