As part of the health care professions, radiologic technologists and technicians are in high demand. The elderly population is blossoming more than ever, and with the burgeoning rise of seniors comes an increased demand for careers within the medical field. As a radiologic technologist or radiology technician, as the profession is most commonly called, you would have ample opportunities for career opportunities anywhere in the nation.
What is a Radiology Technician?
Radiology technicians usually work with X-ray machines in hospitals. They are in charge of taking X-rays, preparing patients for X-rays and administering nonradioactive materials into patients' bloodstreams for diagnostic evaluation. Radiologist technicians generally work under the supervision of physicians, who instruct them where and how patient X-rays are to be done. Because radiology involves a high amount of radiation, the technicians are also taught techniques protect themselves and their patients from intensive amounts of radiation.
Average Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the average annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians as of May 2008 was $53,230 annually. They also reported an hourly wage of $25.59.
Top Paying Industries
The top five paying industries for radiologist technicians as listed by U.S. Department of Labor, ranked from highest to lowest, were scientific research and development services that were listed as having an average annual salary of $63,580; employment services with an annual salary of $60,140; office administrative services with a salary of $57,520; colleges, universities and professional schools with a salary of $56,720; and lastly specialty hospitals--excluding psychiatric and substance abuse medical centers--at $56,500.
Industries by Employment
The U.S. Bureau of Statistics also reported the top five industries that employ the most amount of workers. As expected, general medical and surgical hospitals were listed as the No. 1 employing industry. Below hospitals, the offices of physicians was placed in second. Medical and diagnostic laboratories were third followed by outpatient care centers and lastly the federal executive branch of the government.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor is incredibly optimistic about the job outlook for radiologist technicians. The bureau projects that between 2006 and 2016 their will be a rise in demand of 15 percent, 4 percentage points more than majority of professions. States such as Massachusetts, Nevada, Maryland, New Jersey and California were estimated to be the highest-paying states with average salaries between $61,780 and $67,240 annually.
Further, the bureau reports that radiologist technicians willing to relocate will have an even greater job prospect. It's estimated that a large number of radiologists will be retiring from the career. As such new radiologist technicians who are willing to relocate and are experienced in the procedures of computed tomography scan (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammography will be in high demand.
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