Radiology technologists, also called radiologic technologists or radiographers, take radiographic images of patients for diagnostic purposes. These technologists take x-rays and fluoroscopies, while some specialize in computed tomography (CT), mammography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Those who work with additional types of imaging other than x-rays usually make higher salaries and have better employment opportunities.
Initial Pay
Average starting salary for radiology technologists, according to the PayScale salary survey website, is between $17 and $21 per hour, or about $35,000 to $43,700 per year. With 5 to 9 years of experience, a radiology technologist can expect to make between $18.50 to $24.50 on average, or between $38,500 and $51,000 annually.
General Range
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows average salary in 2008 for all radiology technologists at about $25.60 per hour or $53,200 annually. The bottom 10 percent of radiology technologists were earning below $35,100, and the top 10 percent over $75,000. The middle 50 percent of earnings fell between about $43,000 and $63,000 annually.
Facilities
Most radiology technologists work for general medical and surgical hospitals, earning just about the average salary for all radiology technologists at $54,000 annually. Higher pay can be found at specialty hospitals and at colleges, universities and professional schools, which pay about $57,000 on average. Radiology technologists working in scientific research and development earn an average of about $64,000 per year. In contrast, outpatient care centers and physician offices pay a bit less than average, between $50,000 and $51,300 annually.
Specialties and Education
Specializing makes a difference. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) 2007 Wage and Salary Survey shows the average yearly salary for a mammographer was about $56,600, while nuclear medicine technologists were making about $69,000. Radiology technologists with bachelor's degrees earned nearly $3.40 more per hour than those with 2-year associate degrees.
Location
Certain regions also pay significantly higher than others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows radiology technologists in the San Jose and Oakland, California metropolitan areas earning between $71,000 and $77,000 on average in 2008. Radiology technologists in Bangor, Maine and in Boston, Massachussets were making an average salary between $70,000 and $72,000. High-paying states included Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada and New Jersey, where radiology technologists could earn between $62,000 and $67,000 on average.
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