Radiologic technician job growth is above average.
The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies Radiologic Technologists and Technicians as one group. According to their "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition," both technologists and technicians perform diagnostic imagining examinations. Radiologic technicians use x-rays while technologists use additional equipment such as mammography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Salary
Based on May 2008 data in the "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition," radiologic technologists and technicians earned between $35,100 and $74,970 annually. The majority earned between $42,710 and $63,010 with a median of $52,210 per year.
Industry
The industry that a technologist or technician is employed in can affect potential earnings. Data in the "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition" indicates that the difference can be as much as 10 percent. Medical and diagnostic laboratories paid the best at $55,210 followed by the federal executive branch at $53,650, general medical and surgical hospitals at $52,890, and outpatient care centers at $50,840. Offices of physicians paid the least at just $48,530 per year.
Education
Education plays an important factor in the earnings a radiologic technician can experience during her career. PayScale data from November 2010 shows that individuals with a Radiography RT (R ) ARRT Certification have approximately the same earnings, regardless of job title; Licensed Radiologic Technologist ($17.56 to $23.53 per hour), Radiologic Technologist ($17.80 to $24.90), Radiology Technologist ($17.97 to $24.50) and X-Ray Technician ($18.10 to $24.99). However, a specialist such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist can earn significantly more at $22.17 to $30.37 per hour.
Opportunities
Consider specializing. A Registered Technologist in Mammography RT (M) ARRT has good income potential at $20.93 to $31.17 hourly. A Registered Technologist in Vascular-Interventional Radiography RT (VI) ARRT Certification offers similar potential at $20.68 to $31.17 per hour. Employees with a Registered Technologist in Cardiac-Interventional Radiography RT (CI) ARRT Certification have the best prospects at $24.92 to $39.31 per hour.
Outlook
Radiologic technicians and technologists as a group have a bright future. The "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition" estimates job growth to be faster than average. However, it's important to note that individuals that employ more than one diagnostic imaging procedure such as mammography, magnetic resonance, or computed tomography, have the greatest opportunity. Standard practice before was to take an x-ray before deciding whether a CT was needed. Presently, the CT is often used as the first choice due to its accuracy. MR is also being used with greater frequency. Radiologic technicians can expand their opportunities and income potential by obtaining credentials in one of these specialties.
Tags: 2010-11 Edition, Handbook 2010-11, Handbook 2010-11 Edition, Occupational Outlook, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Outlook Handbook