X-ray technicians
help doctors to diagnose patient concerns.
X-ray technicians also go by the name radiologic technicians, radiologic technologists or radiographers. They are responsible for the diagnostic imaging performed in a facility or lab. Many X-ray technicians also operate other similar equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and mammography machinery.
Job Description
An X-ray technician's primary responsibility is to operate the X-ray machine safely and effectively. X-ray techs help prepare and position the patient for best testing results. He also explains the testing procedure and answers any of the patient's questions. X-ray technicians follow safety precautions to ensure the patient, staff and facility are not exposed to any excessive or unnecessary radiation. X-ray techs record results and present them to other health-care professionals. They also maintain the equipment, coordinating repairs and service on the equipment. The ordering of supplies and purchase of materials fall into their duties as well. X-ray technicians typically have a certification or associate's degree in their field. Some states, such as Oregon, require radiologic technologists to hold a valid license to practice.
Salary
The annual median salary for a radiologic technician in the United States was $53,240 in May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reported that radiologic technicians in Oregon at that time received a median annual salary of $60,440. The middle 50 percent of radiologic technicians in Oregon earned between $50,650 and 70,480 in median salary per year. Many X-ray techs work in hospitals, giving them access to benefits packages, including health insurance and retirement contributions, that raise their total compensation.
Hourly Wages
A large percentage of X-ray technicians work full time for a salary, but many others work part time or on an hourly-pay basis. Radiologic technicians in Oregon receive a higher pay than technicians elsewhere in the United States. The median national hourly wage for radiologic technicians was $25.59 in May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS reported that radiologic technicians in Oregon at that time received a median hourly wage of $29.06. The middle 50 percent of radiologic technicians in Oregon earned between $24.35 and $33.89 in hourly wage.
Geographic Differences
Technicians in Portland and the western coast of Oregon earned the highest salaries in the sate. The median annual salary for radiologic technicians in Portland was $63,230 in May 2009, according to the BLS. Techs in nonmetropolitan coastal areas earned a median annual salary of $61,640. Radiologic technicians in the other areas of Oregon earned between $56,170 and $59,780 in median salary per year.
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