Radiologic technologists use sophisticated imaging equipment.
Radiologic technologists are medical imaging professionals. They may use a variety of imaging technologies, including ultrasound, which doesn't emit radiation, and radiation-generating processes such as X-rays. These professionals are trained to perform medical procedures with sophisticated equipment, including computed tomography, or CT, scans and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, to produce images of internal body parts. The images are interpreted by a trained physician or radiologist. Radiologic technology jobs require candidates to have formal training that may result in a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, a certificate or a diploma. Radiologic technologists are well compensated for their education and skills.
Wages
Wages for radiologic technologists at all experience levels across the United States ranged from less than $17.16 per hour to more than $36.27 per hour as of May 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. The median hourly wage for radiologic technologists was $25.59, and the mean hourly wage was $26.05. The median annual income for radiologic technologists who worked a standard 40-hour workweek was $53,240.
Geography
Radiologic technologists who work in major metropolitan areas typically earn a higher rate of pay than those who work in small towns, but there may be greater employment opportunities for those who are willing to work in rural communities and inner city areas that have been traditionally underserved by the health care industry. Employment opportunities for radiologic technologists may shift regionally, and those who have the willingness and ability to relocate should have the best job opportunities. Radiologic technologists who worked in the District of Columbia or in the states of Massachusetts, Hawaii, Nevada and Maryland earned the highest median hourly wages in the country at more than $30 per hour.
Employment
The type of business a radiologic technologist works for can significantly impact her level of income, according to the BLS. General medical hospitals, surgical hospitals, laboratories and doctors' offices were the primary employment sources for radiologic technologists. These employers paid median wages ranging from $24.45 per hour to $27.53 per hour. Scientific research services, employment services, consulting services, specialty hospitals and office administrative services offered significantly fewer employment opportunities for radiologic technologists but also offered higher-than-average wages at more than $28 per hour.
Considerations
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the aging of the American population to continue to fuel demand for new radiologic technologists. This career field is expected to increase by approximately 17 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is a faster rate than the job growth for all occupations, according to the BLS. Those with greater levels of experience and education should have better opportunities for employment and promotion. Technologists who hold multiple credentials from independent certifying organizations may also have more job opportunities.
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