X-rays are used as a diagnostic or treatment tool.
An X-ray tech, or radiologic technologist, is a medical practitioner responsible for the operation of X-ray machines in order to create images of the internal structures of the human body. The resultant images are used as diagnostic tools by radiologists and other physicians. An X-ray tech's salary varies according to a number of factors, including employer, location and experience.
Average Salary
The latest figures published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, issued in May 2009, put the mean annual basic salary of a radiologic technologist working in the United States at $54,180. This equates to a mean monthly income of $4,515 and a mean hourly rate of $26.05. Radiologic technologists may receive benefits to augment their basic pay, such as bonuses, profit sharing and pension provision, but these vary depending on individual employment contracts.
Salary by Employer
In its May 2009 national survey of radiologic technologist salaries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics compared salary levels in different sectors of the medical industry. Scientific research and development services offered the highest average salary at $64,800. Hospitals and outpatient care centers had mean wage levels of $54,770 and $52,950 respectively.
Salary by Location
The salary comparison website PayScale.com conducted a review of American radiologic technologist pay levels in January 2011. It found that different states across the country have different average salaries. California had the broadest range, from $35,000 to $75,000. Illinois was ranked second at $31,000 to $60,000, while Georgia was the most parsimonious, with a range of $29,479 to $41,116.
Salary by Experience
The January 2011 salary analysis conducted by PayScale.com also revealed how experience gained in the profession can affect wage levels. It listed the average pay for an X-ray tech with less than 12 months of experience as between $29,833 and $49,791. Those with between 5 and 9 years earned on average $23,797 to $54,054, while individuals who had achieved between 10 and 19 years in the field could expect an average salary of between $75,987 and $90,000.
Training
In order to practice as an X-ray technologist and begin earning the basic starting salaries available, an individual must complete a recognized training course. Typically lasting between 21 months and two years, these courses are offered by tertiary educational establishments and hospitals. Candidates can increase their earning potential by following a program approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the industry's primary arbiter with regard to standards. Employers tend to look favorably on technicians who have completed courses approved by ARRT.
Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for all types of radiologic technologists will rise by 14 to 19 percent in the decade from 2008 to 2018. As such, salaries for X-ray technicians should continue to be very healthy. To improve earning capacity, an X-ray technician may wish to undertake training in advanced imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging and mammography.
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