Florida's X-ray technicians earned below-average salaries compared to national numbers.
Radiologic technicians and technologists are less formally known as X-ray techs. Due in part to the growing older population in the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates the radiologic tech field as expected to grow 17 percent through 2018, adding 37,000 jobs countrywide. In Florida, X-ray techs earned lower-than-average salaries, but wages varied depending on location.
Figures from the Sunshine State
Florida's 13,770 radiologic technicians made up approximately 6 percent of the country's total in the field, 213,560 in 2009, according to the BLS. While the national average for rad techs was a median wage of $53,240, Florida's median wage fell slightly below average at $50,670. Some radiologic technologists in Florida earned salaries both higher and lower than the national average, though. In the state's 90th percentile of earners, radiologic technologists earned $67,720. On the other end of the scale, radiologic technologists earning in the 10th percentile of salaries averaged $35,770 in 2009.
Sunny Spots
Although Florida's statewide wage fell below the country's median, several parts of the state did offer above-average salaries. Radiologic techs in the Naples-Marco Island area earned the highest annual median wage, at $57,550, followed by those in Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice, earning $55,200. Rad techs in Punta Gorda, Palm Coast and Cape Coral-Fort Myers also earned above the country's median with salaries of $54,830, $53,440 and $53,290 respectively. Punta Gorda also provided the state's highest 90th percentile salary, at $78,210, followed by the Naples-Marco Island area at $75,860 and Port St. Lucie, paying $74,020 in the 90th percentile.
Shady Areas
For some of Florida's radiologic technologists, making the statewide median salary wasn't even an option. Techs in Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach were the lowest paid in the state, with a median salary of $43,340. Techs in Tallahassee earned $44,470 and those in the Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin area received $44,710. The state's lowest 10th percentile pay went to radiologic technicians in Port St. Lucie, at $29,540, the only area to not break the $30,000 mark in the 10th percentile. Also low on the scale were technicians working in Orlando-Kissimmee, receiving $30,310 in the 10th percentile.
X-Ray Prep
Preparing for a career in radiologic technology requires at least a minimal amount of post-secondary education. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits hundreds of programs across the country leading to a short-term certificate or diploma, two-year associate degree (the most common) and four-year bachelor's degree. As of February 2011, the committee accredited 26 schools in Florida.
Tags: 10th percentile, radiologic technologists, 90th percentile, median wage, country median, Florida radiologic
