Why We Love It
-
$45,730Potential Avg. Salary
-
23.2%Job Growth Rate
-
Growing DemandJob Outlook
-
Creativity FocusedCareer Attribute
A radiologic technician is an individual that uses radiation equipment, like CT scanners, MRI machines and x-rays, to assist in the diagnosing of a patients medical conditions.
Recommended Schools
What is a Radiology Technician?
The following responsibilities are common for Radiology Technologists:
- Preps and informs patients of diagnostic imaging exams and procedures
- Produces x-ray films of various parts of patients anatomy for use in diagnosing medical problems like fractures or cancers
- Positions patients various parts of their body at the correct angle and distance from the equipment to take a proper image of the afflicted body part
- Protects both the patients and themselves with proper safety garments and equipment to protect from radiation exposure
- Adjusts and manipulates the controls of the radiologic equipment to produce images with appropriate density, contrast and body part
A Day In The Life
The primary role of a radiology technician, also called rad. techs., x-ray technologists or radiographers, is to use medical equipment to produce images of different tissues, bones, organs and blood vessels. And, with proper training these individuals can also learn to assist with the administering of radiation therapy treatments.
They will administer any necessary solutions or materials to the patient, like bariatric solutions or iodine materials, in order to see the affected body part more clearly and in higher contrast. The they position the patient to limit their radiation exposure, and ensure that the equipment is used properly and safely. They also develop the radiographic images and ensure that the necessary physicians and healthcare professionals receive copies of the patients films. Technicians with a lot of experience and job training also assist doctors with procedures like fluoroscopes, epidural injections and various cancer treatments.
Typical Work Schedule
Depending on where the radiology tech is employed, the hours may vary. Those employed in hospital settings will generally work shifts ranging from 8 to 12 hours, 24 hours of the day patients are needing to be seen for various issues. Those techs employed in a physicians office or clinic would typically work normal daytime operating hours, Monday through Friday.
Projected Job Growth
The projected job growth rate for this occupation is expected to grow at a steady increase over the next few years as the population continues to grow and age, more and more medical personnel and professionals will always be needed.
Typical Employers
Radiology technicians typically work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, private clinics and oil and petroleum companies.
Recommended Schools
How To Become a Radiology Technician
Radiology technicians need an associates degree in radiography, along with state certification. Coursework should include classes in ares like biology, anatomy & physiology, pathology and patient care and practices. As they continue their education and on-the-job training, they generally will choose to specialize in one or more modalities, such as mammography or CT Scanning. The certification requirements are set by the state the individual resides in. Additional certifications and continuing education are also future requirements of these individuals that desire to work in a specialized area of radiology.
Radiology Technician Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$32,030Average
$45,730High Range
$70,340National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$15/hrAverage
$22/hrHigh Range
$34/hrHow do Radiology Technician salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Radiology Technician's can make an average annual salary of $45,730, or $22 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $32,030 or $15 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#443 Nationally for All Careers
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming a Radiology Technician. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Radiology Technicians
- 4.8% Doctorate
- 7.5% Masters
- 21.3% Bachelors
- 14.4% Associates
- 31% College
- 19.3% High School
- 1.7% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
102,2002024 Est. Jobs
125,900Job Growth Rate
23.2%Est. New Jobs
23,700How does Radiology Technician job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 23,700 jobs for a total of 125,900 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 23.2% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#36 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Radiology Technicians
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| General medical and surgical hospitals; private | 39,200 | 2,800 | 3% |
| Offices of physicians | 9,500 | 2,100 | 2% |
| General medical and surgical hospitals; local | 4,500 | -100 | 0% |
