X-ray technicians prepare patients for exams and produce radiographs.
Radiologic technicians, also commonly referred to as x-ray technicians or radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging exams. They are responsible for appropriately positioning patients in preparation for the exam and producing radiographs. These images are used in the medical diagnostic process. The national median salary for this position is $54,180 as of May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salary
The hourly wage for radiologic technicians possessing less than five years of experience is between $11.63 and $20.55, according to Payscale. More experienced technicians typically earn an average wage of $18 to $30 per hour.
Education
Radiologic technician training program options include a certificate program, associate degree and bachelor degree. The most common method of education used by x-ray technicians, according to Payscale, is the completion of an associate's degree program.
Certifications
X-Ray technicians can elect to become certified through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technicians must graduate from an ARRT-approved accredited program and successfully pass an exam to be eligible for certification.
Highest Paying States
Massachusetts offers the highest pay for radiologic technicians with an annual mean wage of $68,530, as of May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other states that offer high pay for this occupation are Nevada, $66,420; Maryland, $65,820; Hawaii, $63,470; and the District of Columbia, $63,270.
Top Paying Industries
The industry that offers the highest pay for x-ray technicians is the scientific research and development services industry with an annual mean wage of $64,800, as of May 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other industries that offer high pay for this occupation are the management, scientific and technical consulting services industry, $61,970; the employment services industry, $59,620; the office administrative services industry, $58,360; and the specialty hospitals industry, $58,320.
Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics, services industry, 2009 according