A radiology technologist increases her earning potential by training in many techniques.
A radiology technologist works under the guidance of a radiologist to produce images of human internal organs and physical structures, such as the skeleton. She uses high-tech medical imaging equipment including X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans and mammography. A radiology technologist's salary will depend upon a variety of factors.
Average Pay
In 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics put the annual median salary for a radiology technologist working in the United States at $52,210. Her actual salary will depend upon the range of skills she has and the experience she has attained, as well as other factors including location and certification.
Salary by Location
Where they conduct their profession has an impact on a radiology technologist's salary. According to PayScale.com, California offers the highest levels of compensation, reaching $66,129, while Georgia has the greatest range of basic pay, listed at between $22,000 and $61,000.
Salary by Experience
PayScale.com lists practitioners with between 10 and 19 years of experience as having the highest earning potential with a basic salary of between $41,992 and $63,859. Those with more than 20 years' experience have an upper figure of $59,231, but are likely to have better additional components in their contracts, such as pension provision and paid leave.
Salary by Employer
The nature of the radiology technologist's employer will influence salary. The two most lucrative areas of the field to practice in are government (both state and local) with a range of between $35,000 and $54,948, and hospitals, listed at $33,921 to $50,116.
Training
Good grades in high school are required in order to undertake a raining course to become a radiology technologist. Such training programs are pursued either at a university or at a hospital and last between 21 and 24 months. Completing the course allows practitioners to use X-ray machinery. Other imaging techniques require further training.
Certification
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is a voluntary registration service for radiology technologists who have completed an ARRT-approved training course. It has become a recognized standard throughout the field and a radiology technologists with certification is likely to achieve better compensation.
Outlook
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that demand for qualified radiology technologists will rise by 17 percent by 2018. Individuals trained and experienced in using a variety of imaging techniques will gain the highest remuneration. Radiology technologists can develop their career by training to become supervisors of a team or move into management. Such developments are also likely to increase earning potential.
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