X-ray technicians assist doctors by taking X-rays of the human body.
X-ray technicians operate radiology machines which produce X-rays of the human body for use in medical diagnosis. X-ray technicians maintain the machines and follow the directions of the radiologist in charge of each scanning procedure. X-ray technicians have a bachelor's degree, associate degree or certificate in radiologic technology. The starting salary for an X-ray technician is determined by location, employer and certification status.
Starting Salary
The starting salary for X-ray technicians averaged $35,700 or $17.16 per hour, according to May 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean salary for all 213,560 X-ray technicians working nationwide in May 2009 was $53,240 or $25.59 per hour.
Location Differences
The starting salary for X-ray technicians is affected by their state of employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, in May 2009, X-ray technicians earned the highest salaries in Massachusetts, Nevada, Maryland, Hawaii and the District of Columbia. X-ray technicians in the highest salary state, Massachusetts, earned an average of $68,530 while X-ray technicians in the lowest salary state, West Virginia, earned an average of $41,400.
Employer Differences
An X-ray technician's starting salary is also affected by the type of employer. X-ray technicians employed by research and development companies earned $31.16 per hour while X-ray technicians employed by offices of independent physicians earned $24.45, according to May 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Education, Licensing and Certification
Most X-ray technicians have an associate degree in radiological technology. Some have a bachelor's degree or certificate in a similar area. X-ray technicians are licensed at the state level , and the requirements for licensing vary by state, but generally require a degree or certification and successful completion of a licensing exam. X-ray technicians can earn certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and this may improve their salary or job prospects. With experience and a certification, an X-ray technician eventually may advance to become the director of operations for a radiology department.
Tags: X-ray technicians, salary X-ray, American Registry, American Registry Radiologic, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, Labor Statistics