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Find out how much a radiology tech make annually. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that includes all the relevant information you need to know.
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Introduction
When most people think of the medical field, they think of doctors and nurses. However, there are many other important roles that contribute to the delivery of quality patient care. Radiology technicians (RTs), also known as radiographers, are an integral part of the diagnostic process. They use cutting-edge technology to create images of the human body that are used by physicians to diagnose and treat disease.
If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in radiography, you may be wondering “What does a radiology tech make?” The answer depends on a number of factors, including educational background, years of experience, geographic location, and type of employer. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of radiographer salary data from across the united states
What Does a Radiology Tech Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a Radiology Technician in 2018 was $61,240 per year, or $29.39 per hour. Radiology Techs can make a pretty good living, but there are a few things to consider before making the jump into this career.
National Salary Data
A radiology technologist is a vital member of the healthcare team. Radiology techs use X-ray equipment to produce images of the body, which are then interpreted by radiologists. These images help doctors diagnose and treat a variety of conditions.
Radiology techs may work in hospitals, clinics or private practices. They typically work full time, although some may work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for radiology technologists was $60,070 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $84,010.
State-by-State Salary Data
To give you a better idea of how much radiology techs make across the United States, we’ve compiled data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Keep in mind, however, that these are median salaries. Your actual salary will depend on your experience, education, and other factors.
Alabama: $54,780
Alaska: $64,770
Arizona: $58,610
Arkansas: $50,980
California: $68,290
Colorado: $62,630
Connecticut: $63,710
Delaware: $60,520
District of Columbia: $68,070
Florida: $56,810
Georgia: $56,560
Hawaii: $67,950
Idaho: $54,630
Illinois: $64010 Indiana :$55810 Iowa :$55250 Kansas :$55770 Kentucky :$54510 Louisiana :$54540
How Much Does a radiology tech make in Different Cities?
Radiology techs are in high demand in many different cities across the United States. The average salary for a radiology tech is $28.48 per hour, or $59,040 per year. That said, salaries can range from $19.26 per hour, or $40,040 per year, to $37.54 per hour, or $78,080 per year. Salaries will vary based on experience, education, and location.
Metropolitan Areas
Radiology techs make the most money in the following metropolitan areas:
– San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
– Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
– San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
– Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Boulder, CO; Hartford, CT; Middlesex County, MA; Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY; and Oakland-East Bay-Contra Costa County, CA round out the top ten highest paying metropolitan areas for radiology techs.
Non-Metropolitan Areas
In general, radiologic technologists and technicians earn more money in metropolitan areas than in non-metropolitan areas. According to the 2016-17 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for all workers in this occupation was $60,070 per year (). However, wages varied widely depending on geographic location, with workers in some states and cities earning much more than the national median.
The following table shows salaries for radiologic technologists and technicians in the top five non-metropolitan areas for this occupation, as reported by the BLS. As you can see, all of these locations had annual mean wages that were higher than the national average for this profession.
Non-Metropolitan Areas with Highest Radiologic Technologist and Technician Wages – Median Annual Salary: $60,070
1. North Central Massachusetts – $77,710
2. Northwestern Connecticut – $75,660
3. Southwestern Wisconsin – $74,550
4. Northeastern Pennsylvania – $73,560
5. Eastern Washington – $70,970
How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in Different Industries?
Radiology techs make a comfortable salary, especially considering that most positions only require an associate’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for these professionals was $61,240 in 2019. High earners in the field made more than $86,490, while those at the lower end of the scale earned less than $43,090.
Wages for radiology techs can vary significantly based on industry. Those employed in hospitals tend to earn on the higher end of the scale, while those working in doctors’ offices and Diagnostic Imaging Centers earn a bit less. The table below shows median annual wages for radiology techs in different industries, according to data from the BLS.
Hospitals; state, local, and private $64,560
Physicians’ offices $60,070
Diagnostic Imaging Centers $59,040
Outpatient care centers $58,560
Federal executive branch (OES Designation) $57,970
What are the Highest Paying Industries for a Radiology Tech?
There are many different types of radiology techs, and each type specializes in a different area of radiology. The highest paying industries for a radiology tech are those that require the most specialized training and expertise. Here are the four highest paying industries for a radiology tech:
1. Cardiovascular Radiology: Cardiovascular radiology is the branch of medicine that uses imaging to diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular radiologists use a variety of imaging modalities, including X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They often work in teams with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients with heart disease. The median annual salary for cardiovascular radiologists is $451,015.
2. Neuroradiology: Neuroradiologists use imaging to diagnose and treat diseases of the brain and nervous system. They use a variety of imaging modalities, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). Neuroradiologists often work in teams with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients with neurological disorders. The median annual salary for neuroradiologists is $442,240.
3. working in teams
4. Oncologic Imaging: Oncologic imagers use imaging to diagnose and treat cancer. They use a variety of imaging modalities, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Oncologic imagers often work in teams with oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients with cancer. The median annual salary for oncologic imagers is $431,570.
fourth Pediatric Radiology: Pediatric radiologists use imaging to diagnose and treat diseases in children. They use a variety of imaging modalities, including X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine scans. Pediatric radiologists often work in teams with pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for children. The median annual salary for pediatric radiologists is $421,935
Conclusion
Overall, radiologic technologists can expect to earn a median salary of $58,520 per year, or $28.11 per hour. This is much higher than the median salary for all occupations, which is $35,540 per year. However, earnings can vary widely depending on factors like location, employer type, and experience level.
