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How much does a radiology tech make per hour? The answer may surprise you.
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How Much Does a radiology tech Make?
Radiology techs are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 14% growth in the field by 2026. As the demand for techs grows, so does the pay. Radiology techs make a median hourly wage of $33.54. This means that half of all techs make more than this amount and half make less.
The answer may surprise you!
The median hourly wage for radiology technicians was $33.65 in May 2018, which translates to an annual salary of $70,070. However, the top 10 percent of earners in this occupation made more than $47.49 per hour, or $98,810 annually.
It all depends on experience and location
Rad techs with less than a year of experience typically make $25 to $35 per hour. Those with 1 to 4 years of experience earn $28 to $38 per hour. Technicians with 5 to 9 years of experience make $32 to $42 per hour, and those with 10 to 19 years of experience earn $36 to $46 per hour. Radiology techs with 20 or more years of experience make $40 to $50 per hour.
How to Maximize Your Radiology Tech Salary
If you’re thinking about becoming a radiology tech, you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to make. The answer, of course, depends on a number of factors, including your experience, education, and geographic location. In this article, we’ll give you a breakdown of radiology tech salaries by state and experience level.
Get the right education and training
Becoming a radiologic technologist requires completing an accredited radiology tech program. An associate’s degree is the most common level of education achieved by RTs, although a bachelor’s degree may be required by some employers, especially in hospital settings. Some community colleges offer two-year associate’s degree programs in radiologic technology, while others have certification programs that last 1-2 years. There are also four-year bachelor’s degree programs in radiologic sciences offered at some colleges and universities.
Radiologic technologists must be licensed in most states, although requirements vary by state. Most states require RTs to pass an exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To be eligible to take the exam, RTs must graduate from an accredited radiology tech program and complete an internship or clinical rotation.
Start working in a high-demand area
While the average hourly wage for a radiology tech is $28.46, those who work in high-demand areas can make significantly more. If you’re looking to maximize your earnings, it’s worth considering a move to one of these places:
– California: The Golden State offers the highest hourly wage for radiology techs at $37.52.
– Massachusetts: Radiology techs in Massachusetts earn an hourly wage of $34.48 on average.
– Maryland: The average hourly wage for radiology techs in Maryland is $33.68.
Not only do these states offer higher than average wages, but they also tend to have a high demand forradiology techs. So, if you’re thinking of making a move to boost your earnings, these states are worth considering.
Consider working overtime or taking on a second job
If you want to earn the most money possible as a radiology tech, you may need to put in some extra hours. Many techs work overtime, especially those who are employed in hospitals or other 24-hour care facilities. You may also be able to pick up a few extra shifts each week at a different facility.
There are also opportunities to make more money by taking on a second job in the evenings or on weekends. Many hospitals and imaging centers offer evening and weekend hours, so you may be able to find an open position that fits your schedule. You could also look into working at an urgent care center or walk-in clinic, as they often have need for imaging services outside of normal business hours.