An X Ray Technician Salary

By Andrew Doyle


The x ray technician salary is one of the things that make working in this field so attractive. However, most people do not choose to work in healthcare only because of the income. Instead, they choose to work in this industry because they want to help people. X-ray technicians are responsible for preparing people for their x-rays and for taking the x-rays which will then be used by doctors to diagnose a variety of health issues. It is a very important job, and thus, it is reasonably well compensated.

X Ray Tech Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly salary of an x-ray tech is $52,210. The number is based on data that they collected in the year 2008. In that same year, the middle half of x-ray techs made between $42,000 and $63,000 per year. The lowest wage earners in this industry made less than $35,000 per year while the highest wage earners in this position made over $75,000.

There are certain factors that determine how much you will earn as an X ray technician such as the who you are working for and the scope of your job. Below is the list of average annual salaries per employee. You can use this list if you want to get into this type of job.

* You can earn as much as $55,200 annually if you work in a laboratory

* The federal government paid them approximately $53,700 per year.

* Hospitals paid these professionals about $52,900 per year.

* $50,8000 if you work at outpatient centers

* Private Physicians paid an average of $48,500 per year.

Employment Opportunities

Over the coming years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand for X Ray technicians to increase. By 2017, BLS projected that X Ray technicians will increase as much as 17 percent more than what it is currently. This information is based on the fact that there will be more people on their senior years that will need X ray services.

The more diverse your training is, the more likely you will be to find a job in this industry. For instance, people who are trained in CT ((Computed Tomography), MR (Magnetic Resonance), or mammography imaging may find it easier to get a job.

One downside to looking for a job in this field, however, is that jobs are often limited in certain regions. If you are willing to move for a job, you may find it easier to get employment.

Focused trainings

Before you can start working in this field, you need to train first. There are many training programs you can join to prepare you become a trained and competent x-ray technician. Most of these training programs and courses are accredited by the CRT or Committee on Radiologic Technology. Most aspirants get an associate degree to enter the industry but you can also get certificate or bachelor degrees. Programs and courses usually include lectures and hands-on trainings in subjects like biology, human anatomy and physiology, patient care, radiation, and basic radiological procedures.

Once you complete your training program, you can take an exam to become certified. Though most states do not require you to be a certified technician, a certification under your belt can be advantageous when you already start looking for a job.




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