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Radiologic technologists, also known as rad techs are medical professionals who use imaging equipment to diagnose and treat patients. Rad techs typically work in hospitals, but may also work in outpatient facilities, private practices, or mobile imaging units. The average hourly wage for a rad tech was $28.39 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Introduction
Radiation therapists use radiation to treat cancer and other diseases in patients. They work with oncologists, surgeons, and other physicians to develop treatment plans and administer radiation therapy. Radiation therapists may also provide guidance and support to patients and families during treatment.
Many radiation therapists work full time, but some may work part time. They typically work regular hours, but they may occasionally work evenings or weekends to meet the needs of patients.
How much does a radiation therapist make an hour? The median hourly wage for radiation therapists was $37.13 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24.43, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $51.48.
How Much Does a Rad Tech Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for a Radiologic Technician was $28.48 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20.46, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39.91. How much does a Rad tech make an hour?
The National Average
As of May 2020, the average hourly pay for a Radiologic Technologist in the united states is $28.64 an hour.
The Top 10%
In the United States, Radiologic Technicians make an average salary of $47,670 per year. The top 10% of Radiologic Technicians earn over $63,430 per year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $33,020 per year.
How Does This Compare to Other Healthcare Jobs?
Rad techs are in high demand due to the increasing popularity of diagnostic imaging. Rad techs use X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines to get images of patients’ bones, organs, and tissues. The median annual salary for a rad tech is $62,280, which is $30.14 per hour. The top 10% of earners make more than $84,290, and the bottom 10% make less than $44,610.
Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic technologists (RTs) use imaging to diagnose and treat patients. They work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and private practices. RTs typically complete an accredited two-year program and must be licensed by the state in which they work. The median annual wage for RTs was $60,070 in May 2019, and the median hourly wage was $28.86. Employment of RTs is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be best for those who complete an accredited program and earn state licensure or certification.
RTs use X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and other imaging technologies to diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT scans combine special X-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to create detailed images of the inside of the body; MRI machines use radio waves and strong magnets instead of X-rays to produce detailed images; nuclear medicine uses radioactive materials injected into a patient’s bloodstream to provide images of tissues and organs; ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of soft tissue structures, such as joints, muscles, tendons, vessels, and internal organs.
RTs typically work full time in hospitals or medical offices. They may work evenings or weekends in some settings to accommodate patients’ schedules.
Nurses
In order to become a registered nurse, one must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The median annual wage for registered nurses was $71,730 in May 2018. Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Nurses have one of the most important jobs in healthcare. They provide care, education, and support to patients and their families. Nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and home healthcare services.
Physicians
Physicians and surgeons have demanding education and training requirements. Physicians typically need a bachelor’s degree, followed by 4 years of medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. They then complete 3 to 7 years of residency training before they are eligible for state licensure. Some physicians and surgeons complete fellowships, which can last 1 to 3 years, after their residency.
What Factors Affect Rad Tech Salaries?
While the median salary for a Radiologic Technologist is about $28.00 per hour, there are a number of factors that can affect how much you make. Your experience, education, and geographic location all play a role in determining your salary. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the factors that can affect how much money you make as a Radiologic Technologist.
Location
AS with most jobs, the geographic location is a significant factor in how much radiologic technologists earn. Workers in some states earn much more than the national average salary, while those in other states make less. Additionally, salaries in metropolitan areas are usually higher than salaries in rural areas.
Education
You can become a certified radiologic technologist (CRT) or a registered radiologic technologist (RRT) with an associate’s degree in radiography, although most employers prefer applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree. Employers also value experience, so you may want to consider completing an internship or externship as part of your educational program. Check with your state to see if certification or licensure is required to practice radiography.
Experience
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have specific data on Radiologic Technologists (RTs), but it does have data for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, which includes Vascular Interventional Radiographers (VIRs), another type of RT. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that, as of May 2016, the median hourly wage for these occupations was $33.87. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20.67, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $54.14.
Pay varies by experience, employer, geographic location, and certifications or credentials held. Sonographers and cardiovascular techs with one to three years of experience averaged $30.24 per hour, while those with more than five years of experience averaged $36.57 per hour. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Salary Survey found that RTs with less than one year of experience earned a median salary of $46,000 in 2017, while those with 20 or more years of experience earned a median salary of $72,000. RTs with one to three years of experience averaged $52,000 per year, while those with more than five years of experience averaged $60,000 per year.
ASRT also found that salaries for RTs vary by employer type. Those employed in hospitals had the highest salaries at a median of $64,000 per year, followed by those employed in outpatient centers ($58,000), diagnostic imaging centers ($55,000), and physicians’ offices ($53,000).
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Rad Tech can make up to $52 an hour working in the field. The median wage for a Rad Tech is $32 an hour, with the top 10% of earners making more than $52 an hour. With experience and/or further education, a Rad Tech can make upwards of $62 an hour.
