Radiography technicians
know take X-ray images.
Radiography technicians, often known as radiologic technologists or technicians, use diagnostic imaging techniques such as X-rays or mammography to help doctors determine medical conditions. A formal education program lasting about 24 months is required. Most states also require licensing. Voluntary certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists can enhance both employment and salary.
Work
Radiography technicians typically work a standard 40-hour week that may include evenings, weekends and on-call portions for the convenience of patients. Some may work part-time for several employers. Technicians must be able to stand for long periods, as well as lift or turn disabled patients. Though most technicians work at diagnostic machines, a few may use portable devices at the bedsides of patients. The median salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2009, of these techs is $53,240 yearly, with a range of $35,700 to $75,440. This is equivalent to $25.59 hourly, with a range of $17.16 to $36.27.
Employers
The biggest employers of radiography technicians are general medical and surgical hospitals, with mean wages at $26.33 per hour or $54,770 per year and employment at almost 60 percent of the available 213,560 jobs. The highest paying employers are scientific research and develop services at a mean of $31.16 per hour or $64,800 per year but with only 180 positions. Also among the top five for salaries are specialty hospitals that do include substance abuse or psychiatry. Wages are lower at $28.04 per hour or $58,320 per year, but opportunities are higher at 2,260 positions.
Locations
The state with the highest pay for this profession as of 2009 is Massachusetts, with mean wages of $32.95 per hour or $68,530 per year for 6,290 positions. The highest paying city is San Jose, California, with mean compensation at $37.64 per hour or $78,300 per year for 670 positions. Boston, Massachusetts, is also among the top five for pay with lower mean wages of $34.88 per hour or $72,540 per year. But they have higher opportunities with 3,380 positions.
Prospects
Radiography technicians will experience job growth by 17 percent form 2008 to 2018, according to the BLS, which is faster than average for all jobs. The demand will come from a growing population that is also becoming older, which will require more diagnostic imaging to uncover medical conditions. Most of the jobs will still be with hospitals, though employment will also be brisk in doctors' offices and at diagnostic imaging centers. Opportunities will be best for those with expertise in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
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