Radiologic technologists work in hospitals, medical centers and private practices.
A radiologic technologist uses complex and highly-sensitive medical equipment to create images of the internal structure of the human body. These images are used by medical practitioners to perform accurate diagnoses of afflictions. Technologies she may use include X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging. Her salary is dependent upon certain variable factors.
General Salaries
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the official chronicler of American occupations, put the average income of a radiologic technologist in the United States as of May 2008 at $52,210. This equates to a monthly average of $4,351. Bonuses and benefits such as pension provision will add to these figures, but will vary in the case of each individual's contract.
Salary by Location
Where a technologist practices will impact her pay level. A survey conducted of several U.S. states in December 2010 discovered that Arizona and Georgia offered the lowest average salaries coming in between $24,566 and 40,695 and $29,479 to $41,116, respectively. California had the highest salary level at $75,000.
Salary by Employer
Salary comparison website PayScale.com found that the two most lucrative types of employer for radiologic technologists were hospitals and private practices -- these are also the most common. In December 2010 the upper level of average salaries was $50,480 in hospitals and $51,883 in private practice.
Salary by Years Experience
As a radiologic technologist garners more experience, and perhaps skills in more imaging techniques, her salary level is likely to increase comparatively. PayScale.com lists the average pay for a newly-qualified practitioner at between $29,883 and $49,791. The figures for individuals with 10 to 19 years in the field are $75,987 to $90,000.
Training
Typically a course in radiologic technology last between 21 and 24 months, pursued at either a hospital or a tertiary education establishment. Successful completion of the course certifies candidates to use X-ray machinery. Individuals can pursue bachelor's degrees during which they may learn other imaging techniques. These may also be learned on-the-job. Mastery of several imaging technologies, such as bone densitometry, is likely to increase salary potential.
Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics points to an aging population increasing the incidence of illness in America as the primary reason why demand for radiologic technologists will rise by 17 percent through 2018. Diagnostic imaging will be increasingly required by physicians, so salaries for qualified practitioners should remain very competitive, particularly for those with skills relating to several types of imaging.
Tags: average salaries, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, December 2010, hospitals private, imaging techniques
