A radiology physician often manages a team of radiologic technicians.
A radiology physician, or radiologist, is a specialist medical practitioner who uses various non-invasive imaging techniques to diagnose and monitor afflictions, as well as using X-rays and radioisotopes in their treatment. He may use images created by magnetic resonance imaging or mammography to determine the nature of complaints, internally or externally on the human body, and prescribe a course of treatment. His salary reflects his expert knowledge and practical skill, although it can vary according to a number of factors.
Average Salary
Based on reports from 518 individuals, data published by PayScale.com in December 2010 show the average annual salary for a radiologist working in America to be $45,587 to $201,144, dependent upon the amount of bonus, profit sharing and commission written into his salary. This is the equivalent of a monthly income between $3,799 and $16,762.
Salary by Experience
During the course of his career a radiologist's salary will vary according to how much experience in the job he has attained. PayScale.com lists the average pay for a new recruit with less than 12 months in the field as between $47,746 and $192,707 per year. For a radiology physician with five to nine years behind him the figures rise to $66,973 to $259,116. The reward for maintaining a career as a radiologist for between 10 and 19 years is an average salary of $115,145 to $338,978 per year.
Salary by Employer
PayScale.com found that of the employment types most likely to apply to a radiologist, federal government agencies (for which radiologists usually conduct research) offered the lowest average salaries, with a range of $34,392 to $116,997 per year. Private practices and educational institutions offered the best wages, $61,042 to $343,823 and $50,868 to $304,055 respectively. Hospitals were listed as paying $47,445 to $197,644 per year.
Salary by Location
PayScale.com also analyzed how physical location can influence radiologist salary levels. As of January 2010, it listed Georgia as offering the highest levels and largest range of average wages, $43,747 to $341,114 per year. Texas had the lowest pay levels, $48,387 to $152,605, while states on the east and west coasts offered different ranges: New York was listed at $57,500 to $305,109 and California at between $55,955 and $250,000.
Training
As a specialized physician a radiologist must undergo extensive training. A bachelor's degree is followed by a four-year course at medical school. After successful graduation, she must complete a five-year residency as a general medical practitioner. Only after this and the obtaining of her medical licence can she follow a two-year residency program in radiology, assisting a qualified professional and sitting written exams to become certified by the American Board of Radiology.
Tags: career radiologist, medical practitioner, physician radiologist, radiologist salary, radiology physician, vary according