A radiologic technician usually works under the supervision of a radiologic technologist who is trained in several imaging techniques.
A radiologic technician performs functions within a medical environment relating to diagnostic imaging. Primarily using X-ray technologies, a radiologic technician advises patients on the procedure, takes images, transfers them to a video screen or a photographic plate, and liaises with other members of the radiologic team. She may also be required to administer non-radioactive substances into the patient's bloodstream to help with diagnosis. A radiologic technician's salary varies according to experience and location.
Average Pay
A survey published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009 placed the mean yearly salary for a radiologic technician at $54,180. It reported that the median 50 percent of earners achieved salaries of $53,240. The highest earning 10 percent of technicians received a mean salary of $75,440, while the bottom strata of earners achieved an average of $35,700. A radiologic technician may also receive additional benefits, such as health cover and bonuses, depending on the terms of her contract.
Pay by Industry
Radiologic technicians are employed across several sectors of the health-care industry. Salary levels do, however, differ depending upon which one a technician works in. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites scientific research and development services as offering the highest pay rates at an average of $64,800 annually. General medical and surgical hospitals were listed at $54,770; positions within the offices of physicians brought wage levels of $50,860; and outpatient care centers offered an average of $52,950.
Pay by Geography
Different states across America pay differing average salaries to radiologic technicians. Massachusetts, Nevada and Maryland are listed as the top payers, averaging $68,530, $66,420 and $65,820 respectively. At the other end of the scale, South Dakota offers an average salary of $44,970 per year, while West Virginia trails with pay listed at $41,400. The single most lucrative metropolitan area for a radiologic technician is San Jose, California where the average salary is listed as $78,300.
Pay by Experience
Wage comparison website PayScale.com surveyed radiologic technician salaries in January 2011 and found that experience can impact salary levels significantly. The listed pay level for a radiology technician with between one and four years of experience is $30,613 to $46,175. An individual with five to nine years of experience in the role can expect wages between $23,797 and $54,045, while a practitioner who has gained 10 to 19 years in the field is in line for $73,633 to $89,243.
Prospects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment market for radiologic technicians to increase by approximately 17 percent in the years between 2008 and 2018 (faster than the rate across all professions, estimated at seven to 13 percent). The increase will primarily be fuelled by an aging population requiring more radiologic imaging and treatment services. As such, radiologic technicians should continue to receive excellent pay levels in the immediate future.
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