A radiologic technologist can create an image of any part of the body.
William Rontgen received the Nobel Prize in 1901 for discovering X-rays. His basic technique to create images of internal structures of the human body would be subsequently developed so that it has become a crucial element in the medical diagnosis of disease and injury. A radiologic technologist is the medical practitioner who is responsible for operating X-ray equipment and, sometimes, other imaging technology.
Duties
A radiologic technologist confers with physicians and radiologists to determine the images required. She explains the procedure to the patient, positions them for the X-ray, ensuring risk is minimized, and takes the images. She subsequently develops these pictures, either transferring them to acetate or to video screen, for medical staff to view. She must ensure that all procedures are carried out in accordance with radiation protection standards, maintain comprehensive records, and maintain all equipment.
Average Salary
A survey undertaken by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009 reported that the average yearly salary for a radiologic technologist working in the United States was $54,180. This means a monthly income of $4,568 or an average hourly pay rate of $26.05. The BLS also recorded that the average wage among the top 10 percent of earners within the occupation was $75,440, and $35,700 among the bottom 10 percent.
Salary by Industry
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also demonstrated how salary levels for radiologic technologists may vary across different sectors of the health-care industry. It listed the average wage within medical and diagnostic laboratories as $57,250, slightly ahead of those offered by federal government agencies -- $56,140. General medical and surgical hospitals offered an average of $54,770, outpatient care centers were listed at $52,950 and positions within the private offices of physicians averaged $50,860.
Salary by State
Geographical location is also an important factor in determining salary levels, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' survey. Across all industry sectors it found that Massachusetts offered the highest pay rates -- $68,530, followed by Nevada at $66,420, Maryland at $65,820, and Hawaii at $63,470. Kentucky and South Dakota were listed with comparable levels of pay -- $45,840 and $44,970 respectively -- while West Virginia offered just $41,400.
Salary by City
Wage comparison website SalaryExpert.com showed average salaries for radiologic technologists in some of the bigger cities across the United States. Taking into account wages across industry sectors, it listed New York as the city with the highest average wages at $75,554, followed by Dallas at $70,946 and Chicago at $70,137. Locations in Florida were among the lowest-paying cities, with Miami paying an average of $60,422 per year while Orlando was listed at just $52,711.
Training
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the first professional society for radiology professionals, was started in October 1929 under the name American Association of Radiological Technicians. The society was formed to create standards in education for the radiology field, and still does so today. A candidate wishing to become a radiologic technologist should attend an ASRT-accredited training program, which usually lasts two years and includes classroom, laboratory and practical learning, before sitting a state licensing examination. She may also wish to apply for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This is a voluntary certification but it is looked upon favorably by employers as it demonstrates a high level of knowledge.
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