Radiographers look inside the human body.
Radiographers, also known as radiologic technicians or radiologic technologists, are involved with "seeing" inside the human body. No Secret Service eyewear is required, though; radiographers train for their careers by learning prepare, use and interpret X-rays. Radiographers are involved with the entire X-ray process, from prepping and protecting the patient against radiation to performing other imaging procedures in doctors' offices, hospitals, laboratories and clinics.
Facts
Across the country, radiographers earned an average salary of $54,180 per year in 2009, as reported in the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2009 wages study. The BLS cited a few top-paying industries as areas where radiographers earned considerably more than the nation's median salary, with scientific research and development services topping the list with an annual mean wage of $64,800. Consulting firms also paid higher than average with salaries of $61,970 per year. Temporary employment services for radiographers also offered higher than the median salaries with average wages of $59,620.
Location
No particular pattern emerged when reviewing the 2009 top-paying states for radiographer salaries. Massachusetts topped the list, far above the national average, with average annual salaries at $68,530. Nevada came in second at $66,420 with Maryland in third place at $65,820. Closely following in fourth and fifth places were Hawaii at $63,470 and the District of Columbia at $63,270.
Considerations
Prospective radiographers train for their salaries by enrolling in one of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology-accredited programs in the field. The Committee offers hundreds of programs leading to a short-term certificate, two-year associate's degree and four-year bachelor's degree. Licensure and regulation of radiographers is on a state-by-state basis, but candidates may seek voluntary credentials --- such as the designation from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists --- to separate themselves from the applicant pool.
Outlook
Employment of radiographers is expected to rise 17 percent through 2018, adding 37,000 jobs to the profession, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS suggests diagnostic imaging centers, doctors' offices and hospitals as the best potential places to secure a salary and recommends knowledge of CT and MRI scanning as a boost to a candidate's resume.
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