X-rays are used to create images of internal organs and the musculoskeletal structure.
X-ray images are used to diagnose afflictions of the internal structures of the human body. An X-ray technician -- or radiologic technician -- is the medical practitioner who prepares patients for radiologic procedures, ensures they are in the proper position for X-rays to be taken, operates the machinery used to produce the images and processes the images for viewing by physicians. They must comply with safety procedures and maintain comprehensive medical records. They work closely with other health practitioners such as physicians, surgeons and nurses. Salary levels for the profession can vary depending on factors such as location and industry.
Average Salary
A survey of employment data conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 209 concluded that the average yearly salary for an X-ray technician was $54,180. This means a monthly income of $4,515 and an hourly average of $26.05. The top 10 percent of earners achieved an average of $75,440 while those in the bottom 10 percent earned $35,700.
Salary by Sector
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also demonstrated how salary levels for X-ray technicians vary between different sectors of the health-care industry. Scientific research and development services were listed as offering the highest average wages at $64,800, followed by management, scientific and technical consulting services at $61,970. Medical and diagnostic laboratories offered $57,250 and general medical and surgical hospitals were listed at $54,770. Outpatient care centers averaged $52,950 while positions within the offices of physicians brought practitioners an average salary of $50,860.
Salary by Location
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also showed how salary levels across industry sectors can depend upon the state in which an X-ray technician practices. It lists Massachusetts as the most lucrative state for technicians, paying an average of $68,530. Nevada offers $66,420, while Maryland is listed at $65,820. Kentucky and South Dakota offer similar wage levels -- $45,480 and $44,970 respectively -- while West Virginia is listed at just $41,400.
Salary by City
Wage comparison website SalaryExpert.com conducted a survey that compared average salaries for X-ray technicians across all industry sectors in several major cities across the country. It listed New York, New York State and Dallas, Texas as the highest-paying cities -- $71,828 and $67,446 respectively. Chicago, Illinois offered an average wage of $66,678 while Charlotte, North Carolina was listed at $63,223. In contrast, Orlando, Florida was listed at an average annual salary of $50,111.
Training
To become an X-ray technician and begin earning the salaries on offer across the health-care industry, a candidate must attend an X-ray technology training program. Typically these courses last two years, lead to an associate's degree, and are offered by hospitals and educational establishments. Candidates should ideally attend a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT), the standard bearers for training in the industry.
Certification
One way for an X-ray technician to enhance their earning potential is to attain certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT). Certification is voluntary but highly regarded by employers. It is available to individuals who have graduated from a JCERT-accredited program and who pass a written examination administered by the ARRT.
