by Radiologic technologists typically make around $53,000 a year, but this can vary greatly depending on your experience, location, and education. Technicians with years of experience will earn higher salaries than those who just obtained their degree or certification.
X-ray tech overview
X-ray technicians, sometimes called radiologic technologists, are medical professionals who administer x-rays and other imaging tests. An X-Ray Technician is responsible for taking x-ray images and treating injuries or illnesses. They interpret results and prepare reports to be used by physicians and other healthcare professionals.
In addition, they must understand patients’ needs and limitations while administering proper radiation doses while ensuring the safety of both patients and themselves.
X-Ray Technicians may also be responsible for preparing the room, sterilizing instruments, positioning equipment, maintaining logs, and keeping supplies stocked. As an X-Ray Technician, you must be able to explain the procedures to patients and ensure they are comfortable throughout the process. In addition to performing the tests, you will also need to accurately interpret the results of those tests, ensuring they are conveyed properly and in a timely manner.
You must possess excellent communication skills and know medical terminology to carry out your duties as an X Ray Technician effectively. You must also have good problem-solving abilities so that any issues with patient care or imaging equipment can be resolved quickly.
What Education and Certification Do I Need to Become an X-Ray Technician?
To become an X-ray Technician, you typically need to complete a two-year associate’s degree in radiography before submitting for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Other certifications available include those offered by Computed Tomography Technology. Most employers also prefer candidates to have prior experience in the medical field.
What Are the Job Outlooks for X-Ray Technicians?
The job outlooks for X-Ray Technicians are expected to remain strong. A growing aging population, technological advancements, and an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging are expected to lead to more jobs in the field.
Geographic Variance
Geographic variance has a significant impact on the salary of an X-Ray Technician. The amount an X-Ray Tech makes will depend largely on where they are located within the United States and even within a specific state.
For example, when you look at geographic variances across the U.S., there can be a wide range in pay depending on where they live and work. For instance, while California had some of the highest wages with an average salary of $82,330 annually, states like Arkansas were much lower at $40,420 yearly income.
Benefits & Bonuses
When it comes to salary and compensation for X-ray technicians, there are other benefits and bonuses that can be taken into account. Understanding how these additional benefits work, as well as what they include, is important when considering the overall salary package offered by an employer.
In general terms, benefits typically refer to “non-cash” items like medical insurance or time off from work. Bonuses may be cash payments for special or exemplary performance such as reaching a certain production goal or meeting specific customer service standards.
Depending on the company in question, employees may also receive additional perks like flexible hours or workplace amenities such as a gym membership subsidy. In some cases employers provide stock options which allow employees to purchase company shares at reduced prices.
How Can I Secure a Higher Pay as an X-Ray Technician?
To secure higher pay, X-Ray Technicians can become certified and show advanced proficiency with imaging technology. Some facilities may reward those that demonstrate mastery of more sophisticated MRI systems, computed tomography scanners, and other cutting-edge tools. Completing additional certifications or receiving postsecondary education can open up opportunities for promotion to supervisory roles or work in a specialized area of radiology.
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