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A X-ray technician is a health care professional who uses specialized equipment to create diagnostic images of patients’ bones and tissues.
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X-Ray Technician Salary
An x-ray tech also called a radiologic technologist, is a medical professional who uses diagnostic imaging to help physicians treat patients. An x-ray tech’s salary can vary based on experience, education, and geographic location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for x-ray techs was $60,070 in 2018.
National Salary Data
The median annual salary for X-ray technicians was $60,070 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. job outlook for X-ray techs is good, with a projected employment growth of 13 percent from 2016 to 2026. The BLS reports that job prospects will be best for those who have completed formal education and training programs in radiography.
There are several factors that can affect earnings potential for X-ray techs. Here are some national salary data points to consider:
-The metropolitan area with the highest level of employment for X-ray techs is new york city where they earned a median annual salary of $76,850 in 2016.
-The metropolitan area with the highest level of concentration for X-ray techs work is Middlesex County, Massachusetts, where they earned a median annual salary of $75,610 in 2016.
-The state with the highest level of employment for X-ray techs is California, where they earned a median annual salary of $68,980 in 2016.
-The state with the highest concentration of jobs for X-ray techs is Rhode Island, where they earned a median annual salary of $78,270 in 2016.
Salary by State
So, what does a X-ray technician make? Pay for X-ray techs varies depending on experience, geographic location and place of employment. In general, the more experience you have as an X-ray tech, the more money you will make. Additionally, X-ray techs who work in hospitals tend to make more money than those who work in doctor’s offices or clinics.
Here is a breakdown of average annual salaries for X-ray technicians by state, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Alabama: $49,920
Alaska: $61,080
Arizona: $54,760
Arkansas: $50,590
California: $66,040
Colorado: $59,340
Connecticut: $62,470
Delaware: $62,490
District of Columbia: $68,070
Florida: $54,980
Georgia: $55770
Hawaii: $69120
Idaho :$50200 Illinois :$60110 Indiana :$52670 Iowa :$51650 Kansas :$51560 Kentucky :$52900
X-Ray Technician Job Description
The X-Ray Technician is responsible for operating radiographic equipment to make high quality medical diagnostic images. They work in hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. The X-Ray Technician must follow the directives of the ordering physician and maintain quality standards for diagnostic imaging. They must also maintain the radiation safety of the patient, themselves, and other staff in the room.
Duties and Responsibilities
X-Ray Technician Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a X-Ray Technician are to provide radiographic examinations using positioning, radiation protection and image quality techniques. They also develop x-ray film, process images and maintain equipment. In order to be successful in this role, one must be able to follow instructions, have good communication skills, be able to work well under pressure, have good problem solving skills, detail oriented, and physically fit.
Education and Training Requirements
In order to become a X-Ray Technician, you will need to complete an accredited Radiologic Technology program. These programs are typically two or four years in length and will prepare you for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Once you have passed the ARRT exam, you will be eligible to apply for state licensure. In some states, licensure may be required in order to practice.
X-Ray Technician Career Outlook
X-Ray techs or radiologic technologists are in demand. They use cutting-edge technology to create images of the human body to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth in this field will be faster than average in the coming years. Let’s take a look at what x-ray techs make and the outlook for this career.
Job Growth Trend
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 12% job growth rate for x-ray technicians between 2018 and 2028. This is much faster than the expected 5% average growth rate for all occupations during that time period. The growing population and an aging baby boomer generation will lead to an increase in the demand for diagnostic imaging procedures, such as x-rays. New technology, such as 3-D imaging, will also create new opportunities for x-ray techs.
Top Paying Industries
The top industries that employed the most x-ray technicians in May 2019 were as follows:
Offices of physicians: They employed 17% of all x-ray technicians.
General medical and surgical hospitals: They employed 11% of all x-ray technicians.
Outpatient care centers: They employed 8% of all x-ray technicians.
Diagnostic laboratories: They employed 5% of all x-ray technicians.
