An X-Ray technician must ensure all safety procedures are followed.
An X-Ray technician, also known as a radiologic technician, is a medical professional who is trained to take X-Rays of the internal structures of the human body, so that a physician can diagnose injuries, diseases, or other medical afflictions. She will explain procedures to patients, use the X-Ray imaging equipment and process the images so that health practitioners can view them on film or video screen. Her salary reflects her position in the diagnostic imaging team, and may vary according to the circumstances of her employment.
Average Pay
The most recent survey of employment and wages conducted by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), published in 2009, listed the mean yearly salary for an X-Ray technician as $54,180. This is equivalent to a monthly income of $4,515 or a pay rate per hour of $26.05. The BLS also reported that the median annual salary --- that received by the middle 50 percent of earners --- was $53,240, the average for the top-earning 10 percent was $75,440 and the average for their lowest-earning counterparts was $35,700.
Pay by Employer
The sector of the health care industry in which an X-Ray technician finds employment will influence the salary level she achieves. According to the BLS data, scientific research and development services offer the highest yearly wages, $64,800. This compares favorably to medical and diagnostic laboratories, $57,250, general medical and surgical hospitals, $54,770, outpatient care centers, $52,950 and the private offices of physicians, $50,860.
Pay by Location
A second factor that can significantly impact upon how much money an X-Ray technician makes in a year is the geographical location in which she pursues her career. The BLS places Massachusetts at the head of the wage table, offering an average annual salary of $68,530. It is closely followed by Nevada and Maryland, averaging $66,420 and $65,820 respectively. Among the lowest-paying states, South Dakota is listed at $44,970 while West Virginia offers just $41,400. The San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara area in California is listed as the single metropolitan area offering X-Ray technicians the highest salary, $78,300 per year. In contrast, Jackson, Tennessee, is listed at $44,660.
Training
To practice as an X-Ray technician, an individual must successfully complete a registered training course. Such programs are available through hospitals and universities and usually run for between 21 and 24 months. Candidates are advised to attend programs approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as this organization is considered the industry's standard bearer, and employers look favorably upon ARRT-registered candidates.
Prospects
The BLS predicts a buoyant job market for X-Ray technologists in the immediate future. While it estimates that employment growth across all occupations in America will be by between seven and 13 percent, it places the projected growth for radiologic technicians at 17 percent. The aging population of the United States will require more and more diagnostic imaging procedures. As a result X-Ray technicians should continue to receive competitive wages. An individual could increase her earning potential by training in other diagnostic imaging techniques besides X-Rays, such as magnetic resonance imaging and bone densitometry.
Tags: X-Ray technician, diagnostic imaging, annual salary, X-Ray technicians
