Rad techs perform X-Rays, CT scans and computer tomography
Radiology technologists and technicians, or rad techs, perform X-Rays, computer tomography, CT scans and mammography. They prepare the patient and the equipment prior to starting the procedure. Usually these professionals must follow a doctor's instructions as to which exact procedure to use and which part of a patient's body to apply it to. They must be very careful while administering their scans to protect the patients and themselves from unnecessary or dangerous exposure.
Average Salary Breakdown
The average salary for rad techs is $54,180 per year as of 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Radiology technicians in the top earning 25 percent should expect an average salary of $64,070 to $75,440. The entry level positions in the lowest paid 10 percent make $35,700, while those who are more experienced enjoy a median range of $43,510 to $53,240.
Employer Type
The largest number of rad techs are found in hospitals, private doctor offices, labs, outpatient care centers. The average pay here varies from $50,860 to $57,250 per year. However, these are not the employers who pay the most. Technologists working in scientific R&D (research and development), scientific and technical consulting, or specialty hospitals earn anywhere between $58,320 and $64,800 a year, according to the BLS.
Pay by State
How much radiology technicians and technologists get paid also depends on the state of employment. Those living in Massachusetts, Nevada and Maryland are on top, making from $65,820 to $68,530 per year. However, states such as West Virginia, South Dakota and Kentucky, which have the highest number of employed rad techs per 1,000 workers, pay much less, averaging $41,400 to $45,840 a year.
Pay by City
Massachusetts is the highest paying state for a rad tech to live in. However, those living in Boston or Peabody get paid higher than the state average, $69,760 and $72,540 per year, respectively. California cities, such as San Jose, Oakland or Vallejo, pay the top dollar for this profession. The average pay here is between $70,030 and $78,300. Cities like Wheeling, West Virginia, Johnson City, Tennessee and Punta Gorda, Florida, which have the highest concentration of employed rad techs per 1,000 workers, pay much less on average, between $40,190 and $56,730 per year.
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