X RAY TECH SALARY GUIDE

X-Ray technician at work.

 

X-Ray technicians work closely with patients to help doctors and radiologists diagnose injury or disease.  While x-ray tech is a general term used here, there are several aspects of the radiologic technologies.  Radiologic technology includes technicians who deal specifically with x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, sonography, mammography, and radiation therapy.

The use of nuclear medicine in today's healthcare industry is a large portion of diagnosis procedures.  While the x-ray technician uses radiology to view the bones and tissues of the body, there is some risk of long term exposure to radiation.   Potential candidates need to be aware of these risks and weigh the risks vs. rewards of the career opportunities. 

Most x-ray techs will work in a hospital setting, doctor, or dentist office.  There are some free-standing radiology practices such as MRI and Mammography clinics where many doctors will send their patients for diagnosis.  Radiologic equipment is very costly to purchase and maintain, many doctors offices simply prefer to outsource the service.  Other technicians will work with mobile equipment to offer their services to patients unable to come into a radiologic office.  These x-ray technicians travel to the patients' homes, nursing homes, or a variety of other locations to render services in a specialized truck or van or in the patients' location.  Many mobile mammography clinics work similarly to a blood mobile.  They travel to large companies or corporations to offer workers free or low cost mammography screens.

Since there are so many factors and variations on the x-ray technicians work environment, the salary range can vary greatly.  Your x-ray tech salary will be dependant on your education, years of experience, work location, and your local salary guides.  But, in general, a newly graduated x-ray tech working in a hospital setting can expect to earn around $35,000 per year.  With more experience and education the average x ray tech salary can go as high as $50,000 per year.  While this range seems low for the medical field,  there are certifications and advanced education opportunities to advance your career once you have some experience in the field.

For example, you could start off as an x ray tech and move into a more specialized field as you grow in experience.  Becoming registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists can also increase the salary range.

Most community colleges offer a basic Radiologic Technology degree to begin your career as an x-ray tech contact your local college for more information.  Most radiologic technology programs will be about a year in length.  For many, the basic skills are a way to a new career and they will return to school for higher degrees of education once they are employed in the field.  After obtaining the initial degree and experience you will be exposed to many other specializations within the field and can then decide which career path you would like to explore.  For some in the field, they have chosen a specialty close to their hearts such as mammography to help women stay healthy and decrease the number of terminal breast cancer cases.  As with many diseases, early detection can save lives.

X ray tech salaries will vary, but the rewards of a medical career can be far more than numbers on a paycheck.  If you feel you would like to explore more information on becoming an x ray technician, see the YouTube videos at the top of the page for more information from professionals currently in the field.

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