Limited scope x-ray technicians may be qualified in a combination of core, chest, extremities, skull/sinuses, spine or podiatric radiography.
Radiologic technicians who perform medical imaging examinations using x-rays are sometimes referred to as x-ray technicians or radiographers. Some x-ray technicians may only be trained to perform x-ray examinations on specific parts of the body, such as the torso or the extremities. These individuals may be certified or licensed by some states as limited scope x-ray technicians. Wages for limited scope x-ray technicians may vary based on their geographic location and their type of employment.
National Wages
The median annual income for all radiologic technologists and technicians at all levels of experience, education and credentials from across the United States was $54,340 as of May 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent earned annual wages in excess of $76,850 per year, while the bottom 10 percent earned annual wages of less than $36,510. The occupation of limited scope x-ray technician is an entry level position. The Education Portal website placed the pay range for limited scope x-ray technicians at from $26,000 to $38,000 per year. Most limited scope x-ray techs earn in the bottom 10 percent for their occupational category.
Regional Wages
Demand and wages for limited scope x-ray technicians may vary by state. More radiologic technologists and technicians worked in California than in any other state in the country. The bottom 10 percent of radiologic techs who worked in California was $39,830 as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10 percent of techs who worked in Massachusetts earned annual wages of $47,730. The bottom 10 percent of West Virginia-based techs earned the lowest median annual wages in the country for their occupation at $27,020.
Employment Type
Physicians' offices, general medical hospitals, surgical hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers provide the bulk of employment opportunities for limited scope x-ray technicians. The bottom 10 percent of radiologic technologists and technicians who worked in physicians' offices earned less than $33,690 per year as of May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10 percent of techs who worked in hospital environments earned less than $38,130 per year. The bottom 10 percent of technicians who worked in diagnostic laboratories earned annual wages of less than $38,890.
Employment Considerations
The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 17 percent grow in new employment opportunities for radiologic technologists and technicians between 2008 and 2018. Job opportunities for limited scope x-ray technicians may be limited as demand is expected to be greatest for techs who have experience and credentials in multiple imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography. Limited scope x-ray technicians may improve their employment prospects by becoming certified by passing the examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
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