X Ray Technician Salary

Radiologic technologist jobs are plentiful and trained radiologic technologists are in demand across the country.

In 2008, Radiologic technologists were employed in about 214,700 jobs across the country. Hospitals employment made up around 61 percent of all radiologic technologist jobs. The other 39% were located in:

• Physician Offices
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories including diagnostic imaging centers
• And outpatient care centers.

Radiologic Technologist Job Earnings

Radiologic technologists jobs yearly median earnings are around $52k with the middle 50 percent of the occupation bringing home $42,710 to $63,010. At the other end of the earnings spectrum, the bottom 10 % earned less than $35,00 and the top 10 % made close to $75,000.

Industries employing the greatest numbers of radiologic technologists, median compensation figures area as follows:

• Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories: $55,210
• Federal Employment Positions: $53,650
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: $52,890
• Outpatient Care Centers: $50,840
• Physicians Office Practices: $48,530

Radiologic Technologist Job Outlook

The employment outlook in the radiologic technologist career field is projected to at a very good rate, and the government projects it to grow faster than average. Those Rad Techs with knowledge of more than one diagnostic imaging procedure—such as CT, MR, and mammography—will have the best employment opportunities.

Looking At The Rad Tech Job Future

Government prognosticators predict the employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 17 percent in the next decade, a growth-rate faster than the average for all occupations.

The reason for such a phenomenal job growth rate is simple math; As our population continues to grow – and ages – it places an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging. And as we grow older so too does the increased incidence of illness and injury. Calamities which often prescribes diagnostic imaging for diagnosis. And diagnostic imagines is not just for diagnosis, radiology imaging is commonly relied upon to monitor the progress of treating diseases. The good news is that with the increasing success of medical imaging technologies for disease treatment, diagnostic imaging procedure will proportionately required to monitor the progress of medical treatment.

Where Are The Radiologic Technologist Jobs?

Hospitals will remain the main employer for radiologic technologists jobs but more new employment options will be located in imaging centers and in physician’s clinical offices. Technology advances have resulted in more cost-effective measures and many imaging modalities are becoming less expensive. It’s become more economically feasible to have modern radiology equipment located in a physician’s office.

Besides job growth in this healthcare sector, future job openings will result to replace rad techs who leave and no longer serve in the occupation. For those technologists who have acquired knowledge of more than one diagnostic imaging procedure such as CT, MR, and mammography, they will enjoy the upper hand at prime employment opportunities. Employers seeking to put a cap on costs will resort to employing employees who possess multi-credentials.

Radiologic technologists jobs tend to be regional. Some parts of the country having large demand and few prospects while other locations are inundated with capable candidates. Rad Technologists who are open to move to those underserved areas will certainly have better job prospects.

Looking toward the future, CT is continuing establishing itself as a frontline diagnosis tool. Where it was practiced to take x rays just to decide whether a CT is needed, the move now is that a CT has become the first choice for imaging because of its accuracy. Additionally, MR usage is also on a sharp incline. Technologists with credentialing in either of these specialties will be very marketable to employers.

Radiologic technologist jobs are indeed plentiful in many parts of the country. Over the next 10 years, the need for trained radiologic technologists will continue to grow and the job outlook is extremely promising for those smart healthcare professionals trained in this needed modality.