Mastery of different imaging technolgies increases earning potential.
A radiologist tech, more often called a radiologic technologist or technician, works to create images of the internal structures of the human body. Using techniques such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans and mammography, and reporting to a radiologist, a radiologic technician's salary will reflect his skills and experience.
General Pay
The latest figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, placed the average yearly salary for a radiology tech in America at $52,210. This is a reflection of basic pay, not accounting for the individual package of benefits and bonuses the technician may be offered as part of his contract, and can vary according to a number of factors.
Pay by Location
The state in which a radiologic technician practices the profession can influence income. In a survey by PayScale.com in December 2010, California offered the broadest range of average salary, as well as the highest, stretching from $35,000 to $75,000. Arizona had the lowest wages at $24,566 to $40,695.
Pay by Employer Type
A further factor influencing average pay is the nature of a technician's employer. While PayScale.com lists fairly commensurate high average salaries for technicians working in hospitals and those in private practice -- $50,480 and $51,883 respectively -- the range is broader for those in the latter category, starting at $25,434 compared to $31,315 for hospitals.
Pay by Experience
As a radiologic technician gains experience (and, possibly, expertise in a number of imaging techniques), earning potential increases. While the PayScale.com survey puts the average salary for those with less than one year's experience at between $29,833 and $49,791, that for a technician with between 10 and 19 years of experience is placed between $75,987 and $90,000.
Training
There are specific courses that an individual can undertake in order to become a radiologic technician. It requires good grades at high school to be accepted onto a course, run either through a university or a hospital. Courses take, on average, between 21 and 24 months to complete, qualifying the technician to use X-ray technology. Other technologies require further training, usually undertaken on-the-job.
Certification
Another factor that may play a part in determining a radiology technician's income will be whether the tech is a certified member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This is voluntary for those who have passed an ARRT-approved training program, but the system has become an industry-recognized standard and employers will look favorably on a certified practitioner.
Prospects
Demand for radiology technicians is expected to rise considerably in the near future, a trend that should see salaries for qualified practitioners remain very competitive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 17 percent rise in demand until 2018. Radiology technicians trained and experienced in several forms of image generating techniques should be able to secure the best compensation packages.
Tags: radiologic technician, average salary, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, earning potential, Labor Statistics