Radiographers---or X-ray technicians, as they're more commonly called---are in high demand. The health care industry is growing and with it comes a need for experienced X-ray technicians who can answer the industry's call for competent and skilled workers. This is a profession that offers above-average pay and job stability.
The Job
An X-ray technician takes radiographs or X-rays of patients. This job---which candidates prepare for via a one-year certification program, associate or bachelor's degree program---requires working with possibly dangerous radiation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 40 states require X-ray techs to be licensed, and many employers prefer to hire radiographers who are certified. Among their job responsibilities are patient safety, record keeping, machine maintenance, scheduling, and the purchasing and inventory of radiography equipment. The average workweek for a radiographer is 40 hours a week; however, there is also the possibility of on-call, night and weekend work.
Salary
According to the labor bureau, the average salary for a radiographer was $53,230 per year in 2008, and the average hourly wage was to be $25.59.
Experience
While many jobs offer boosts in salary depending upon experience, this is the type of job that offers a high starting pay, yet plateaus afterward. Radiographers earn between $30,000 and $50,000 in their first ten years of work. This range gets slightly higher between 10 and 20 years of experience. At this stage radiographers earn $40,000 to $52,000 per year. By retirement, a technician earn upwards of $74,000 per year, according to the BLS.
Geography
X-ray technicians' pay can vary based on where in the United States they work. Massachusetts remains the state with the highest overall pay for radiographers---reported by the labor bureau to be $67,240 per year. Nevada falls short of that at $64,560 per year and Maryland takes the third place spot at $63,810 per year. New Jersey and California report an annual salary of $62,380 and $61,780, respectively.
Job Outlook
The BLS estimates that employment for radiographers will rise by 15 percent by 2016, due to the large number of baby boomers needing medical attention as they age. One limiting factor for job opportunities, however, may be how hospitals choose to incorporate new radiography technologies. Costs of facility renovations and new equipment will be a big determinate in how many new jobs will be available.
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