Radiologic assistants are also known as radiologic technologists and technicians. They work under the direction of radiologists to perform diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. Their job is to prepare a patient for the examination so that the patient isn't exposed to unnecessary radiation, and to take the needed images using the diagnostic equipment. They also do administrative work such as keeping patient records and scheduling patients.
National Pay
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 213,560 radiologic assistants and technologists in the country in 2009. They earned an average hourly wage of $26.05, which equates to an annual salary of $54,180. The middle 50 percent of radiologic assistants earned between $43,510 and $64,070 a year.
Pay by State
Massachusetts was the top-paying state for radiologic assistants in 2009, according to the bureau, where they earned an average of $68,530 a year. Other top-paying states were: Nevada, at $66,420, Maryland, at $66,820, Hawaii, with an average of $63,470 annually, and Washington D.C., at $63.270. West Virginia was the state with the highest concentration of radiologic assistants. There were 2.867 radiologic assistants per 1,000 workers in 2009. Other states where there was a high concentration of radiologic technicians were South Dakota, Kentucky, Tennessee and Rhode Island.
Pay by Metro Area
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California, was the highest-paying metropolitan area for radiologic assistants in 2009, where they earned an average of $78,300 a year. Other top-paying metropolitan areas included Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, California, at $72,790; Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Massachusetts, where the average was $72,540; Vallejo-Fairfield, California, paying $70,030 annually on average, and Peabody, Massachusetts, at $69,760. The area with the highest concentration of radiologic technicians in 2009 was Punta Gorda, Florida, with 5.399 radiologic technicians per 1,000 workers.
Job Outlook
Radiologic assistants jobs are expected to grow faster than average between 2008 and 2018. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 17 percent growth during that time. Assistants who have knowledge and experience with more than one diagnostic imaging procedure will have the best chance of finding work. Roughly three out of five radiologic assistants are employed in hospitals, while the other positions are found in doctors' offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, diagnostic imaging centers and outpatient care centers.
Tags: concentration radiologic, diagnostic imaging, earned average, radiologic assistants, radiologic technicians, assistants 2009, average year