Radiologic technologists create the diagnostic images used in medical diagnoses.
Radiologic technologists serve in a variety of diagnostic imaging and treatment areas, including mammography, CT and MRI scanning, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. Whether they are creating images via sophisticated scanning equipment or administering radiation treatments, radiologic technologists work closely with patients and the doctors diagnosing and treating them. The role of a radiologic technologist is a step up from that of a radiologic technician, which focuses solely on taking X-rays. Several factors affect how much a radiologic technologist gets paid, including experience and type of employer.
General Pay Data
With bonus and overtime pay, a radiologic technologist makes $36,902 to $52,797 a year, according to 2010 data from the PayScale website. Base hourly pay ranges from $17.63 to $24.80. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median hourly wage of $25.29 as of 2009, and a median salary of $53,240. Salaries of more than $75,000 have been reported among the highest-paid radiologic technologists, according to the BLS.
Salary by Experience
Pay increases significantly the longer a radiologic technologist remains in the field. Technologists with less than a year of experience earn $25,434 to $39,833, according to PayScale, while those with five to nine years of experience make $36,283 to $51,142, as of 2010. With 10 to 19 years of experience, radiologic technicians can make more than $62,000. Experience also can lead to higher-paying positions such as supervisor, department administrator or sales rep for companies that make imaging equipment.
Salary by Employer
While hospitals employ most radiologic technologists, private doctors' offices and diagnostic imaging centers also provide jobs. Imaging centers pay the most, according to the BLS, with a median salary of $55,210 in 2008. Hospitals rank second in pay, offering a median salary of $52,890 that year, followed by physician offices with a median salary of $48,530. PayScale reports slightly lower salary ranges of $33,258 to $49,788 for hospitals and $27,955 to $42,000 for private practices, based on 2010 data. Federal, state and local governments also hire radiologic technicians. In addition to 40-hour workweeks, some employers offer part-time positions.
Job Outlook
The BLS, which combines labor data for radiologic technologists and technicians, says the total number of positions is expected to increase 17 percent over a 10-year period, rising to 251,700 jobs in 2018 from 214,700 in 2008. The additional 37,000 radiologic technologists and technicians will be needed, as an aging population requires diagnostic testing. Technologists with experience in more than one imaging procedure will be in high demand.
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