How much radiology technicians make
Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments. As the population ages, there will be a greater need for diagnostic imaging and therefore a greater need for certified radiology technologists.
Radiologic technologists of differing specialties earn different levels of income:. As with most careers, location, experience and type of employer are the biggest determining factors as to what a potential radiology technologist salary will be.
Other things that can affect the salary of a radiology technologist is certification. Was this information useful? Highest paying cities for X-ray Technicians in United States 1. Where can an X-ray Technician earn more? Compare salaries for X-ray Technicians in different locations. Search Location. Compare Explore X-ray Technician openings. Best-paid skills and qualifications for X-ray technicians Most recommended license. Job Trend. More critical skills and qualifications that pay well Information tooltip for top skills.
Top skill Salary. Acute Care. Critical Care Experience. Laboratory Experience. Show Less. Information tooltip for top fields of study. Medical Degree. Show More. Information tooltip for top certifications. BLS Certification. Mammography Certification.
ARRT Certification. Radiologic technologists are trained in the use of different types of medical diagnostic equipment. They may choose to specialize, such as in x-ray, mammography, or computed tomography CT imaging. Some radiologic technologists provide a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be viewed on the images that the radiologist reviews. MRI technologists specialize in magnetic resonance imaging scanners.
They inject patients with contrast media, such as a dye, so that the images will show up on the scanner. The scanners use magnetic fields in combination with the contrast agent to produce images that a physician can use to diagnose medical problems. For information about healthcare workers who specialize in other diagnostic equipment, see the profiles for nuclear medicine technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists.
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists held about 42, jobs in The largest employers of magnetic resonance imaging technologists were as follows:. Radiologic technologists and technicians held about , jobs in The largest employers of radiologic technologists and technicians were as follows:. Radiologic and MRI technologists are often on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients, such as to help those who are injured.
Like other healthcare workers, radiologic and MRI technologists may be exposed to infectious diseases. In addition, because radiologic technologists work with imaging equipment that uses radiation, they must wear badges that measure radiation levels in the radiation area.
Detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose. Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of protective lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices and by the badges that monitor exposure to radiation. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight.
MRI technologists may start out as radiologic technologists. High school students who are interested in radiologic or MRI technology should take courses that focus on math and science, such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. Depending on the field of degree , education programs may include both academic study and clinical work. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation. Some states require candidates for licensure to complete an accredited program.
MRI technologists typically need less than 5 years of experience in a related occupation, most often from working as a radiologic technologist. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified. Few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Requirements vary by state. To become licensed, technologists usually must graduate from an accredited program and either pass a certification exam from the state or obtain certification from a credentialing organization.
Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties. Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it.
Employers also may require or prefer that prospective technologists have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR or basic life support BLS. Detail oriented. Radiologic and MRI technologists must follow instructions exactly to get the images needed for diagnoses.