Radiographers not only diagnose illness and injury by using radiology equipment such as X-ray and MRI machines, but also help treat illnesses such as cancer through the administration of therapeutic radiation. If you're considering beginning a career path in radiography, reviewing normal compensation packages for the profession may help you get a better idea of what to expect.
National Averages
PayScale's radiography compensation survey reports that radiographers earn between $36,939 and $50,781 per year on average. The data also finds an hourly rate averaging between $17.54 and $23.48. These figures are based on data from 319 radiographers and are accurate as of November 2010.
Experience
Spending time in the field of radiography pays off, as PayScale proves. With one to four years of experience, radiographers have average salaries between $35,778 and $49,397. At five through nine years, the top end of this scale grows more than $10,000 to reach $59,729. For those with 10 to 19 years of experience, top average salaries boom to $72,831.
Employer
PayScale's radiography data supports the claim that everything really is bigger in Texas. Top average salaries for radiographers in the Lone Star State reach $59,145. Close behind is New York, with top salaries around $57,000. Ohio trails in third on PayScale's list with top averages around $50,000.
Benefits
While monetary compensation is surely an important consideration when contemplating career paths, noncash benefits are also a substantial part of overall compensation. PayScale shows that 76 percent of radiographers are given medical coverage from their work. In addition, 61 percent receive dental and 44 percent receive vision care.
Tags: average salaries, PayScale radiography, percent receive, years experience