The Average Salary of Radiology Technologists
For job opportunities growing faster than average, the field of radiology technologists could be worth looking into. With an average training period of one to four years, training programs can be found in community colleges, universities and some hospitals. As a radiology technologist, you can earn an above-average income and enjoy a flexible work schedule.
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Radiology Technologist Defined
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Radiology technologists are skilled medical professionals trained to perform medical imaging tests or X-rays on patients. Some radiology technologists receive additional training and are skilled at administering high doses of radiation to patients with cancer and other life threatening diseases. Radiology technologists help prepare patients for the imaging procedures by explaining the test and making sure they are in proper position, depending on which area of the body is to be X-rayed.
Salaries and Experience
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Salaries vary by geographic region, experience levels and employers. According to an August 2009 survey by Payscale.com, the median starting salary for a first year radiology technologist is $18.70 an hour or nearly $39,000 per year. Those with a year of more of experience are reporting a median income of $20 an hour. Radiology technologists with at least five years of job experience are earning an average of $23.57 an hour or $49,025 annually if working full-time.
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Pay and Geography
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Where you live and work can also play a role in income. Some of the highest-paid radiology technologists are employed in Boston, earning an average of $30.73 an hour or nearly $64,000 a year. Radiology technologists employed in Dallas report earning an average of $25.25 an hour. Their counterparts in Birmingham, Alabama, are reporting average earnings of only $19.22 an hour and radiology technologists working in Rochester, New York, are earning some of the lowest wages at an average of only $13.75 an hour or $28,600 a year.
Job Types
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Specialization in certain medical imaging areas can also make some difference in income. Those working in general radiology earn a median income of $21.26 an hour or $44,220 annually. Radiology technologists who specialize in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are earning an average of $25.13 an hour or $52,270 a year. Those who are using their radiology technology skills in mammography are earning the highest incomes at $26.97 an hour or $56,097 a year.
Employer Type and Gender
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Different types of employers can also affect salaries for radiology technologists. For those employed in private physician's offices, the average hourly pay is $19.71. In contrast, radiology technologists who work in hospitals are earning a median income of $23.17 an hour or more than $48,000 annually. While the average female radiology technologist is reporting an average earning of $20.45 an hour, her male coworkers are reporting earning a median hourly range of $24.47.
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