X-Ray and surgical technicians are both healthcare professionals who use technical skills to assist medical staff treat and diagnose patients. An X-ray tech, also referred to as radiological technician, uses diagnostic imaging equipment to produce X-ray images of patients for medical staff. Surgical techs work with operating room personnel to prepare and operate equipment, as well as assist staff during surgical procedures.
Qualifications
Qualifications and requirements to practice professionally vary for these occupations. Requirements are regulated by each state. X-ray techs often complete approximately two years of formal training which leads to a certificate or associates degree in radiography. Because this job may expose these professionals to radiation, some states require a license to practice professionally, which includes passing a state-administered examination. Surgical techs can obtain training from a variety of vocational programs leading to a certificate or associates degree in surgical technology or a related discipline. Although there are no licensing requirements for surgical techs, employment opportunities may increase for those who obtain the Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist.
Average Salaries
Most employers pay these professionals an hourly wage, as well as overtime wages for working more than 40 hours per week. In November 2010, Payscale reported average salaries ranged between $15.53 and $23.56 per hour for X-ray technicians, and overtime wages ranged between $22.37 and $34.71 per hour. For surgical technicians, average salaries ranged between $14.38 and $20.15 per hour, and overtime wages ranged between $19.65 and $30.39 per hour.
Additional Compensation
X-ray technicians and surgical technicians often receive bonuses based on their employer's financial performance. Payscale reported average bonuses ranged between $195 and $1,184 per year for X-ray technicians and for surgical technicians, average bonuses ranged between $197 and $971 per year. X-ray technicians' total compensation ranged between $33,549 and $51,151 per year, while surgical technicians total compensation ranged between $30,755 and $44,156 per year.
Employers
Both of these professionals work in a variety of healthcare industries including hospitals and orthopedic surgery providers. Other industries include medical service providers, outpatient surgery facilities and health clinics. Payscale reported hospitals paid average salaries ranging from $15.87 to $24.07 per hour to X-ray technicians, and $14.93 to $20.88 per hour to surgical technicians. Orthopedic surgery providers paid average salaries ranging from $15.06 to $22.72 per hour to X-ray technicians, and $14.38 to $20.02 per hour to surgical technicians.
Job Outlook
Overall, healthcare occupations are expected to continue to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment opportunities to grow faster than average for both of these occupations between 2008 and 2018. Growth is expected because of an increase in aging populations who will require diagnostic and surgical procedures.
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