Radiologic Technologist Salary

If you are on this site, that means you are probably considering a new career as a radiologic technologist. Of course, with any new career, and in fact, with any major change in your life, there are questions to answer: am I qualified? Is this right for me? What is the long-term potential of this field? All of these are valid questions. The field of radiologic technology is growing, and there is no better time to start exploring this field.

Why Should I Become A Radiologic Technologist Today?

According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists:

A career in radiologic technology can lead in many directions. Demand for radiologic technologists is strong across the country, in every health care setting. You could work in a large hospital, a suburban outpatient clinic or a rural physician's office. You could specialize in dozens of clinical areas ranging from prenatal care to orthopedics. You could be responsible for quality assurance or for overseeing the implementation of new technology. You could manage an entire radiology department, including its budget and personnel. Or you could teach. The boundaries of your career in radiologic technology are determined only by your own abilities and interests.

Source: https://www.asrt.org/content/recruitmentretention/career_brochure.aspx

As you can see, not only are there many options within this field, but also much demand out there for radiologic technologists. The trend towards more and more imaging in medicine will continue unabated for some time to come, as doctors discover more powerful ways to make diagnoses earlier and more accurately. However, to facilitate these diagnoses, radiologic technologists are going to be needed in great numbers. This is reflected in the compensation for radiologic technologists.


How Much Can Radiologic Technologists Expect To Make In 2009?

While there is a wide range of salaries based on location and experience, the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that:

Median annual earnings of radiologic technologists were $48,170 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $39,840 and $57,940. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,920. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of radiologic technologists in 2006 were:

Medical and diagnostic laboratories $51,280
General medical and surgical hospitals 48,830
Offices of physicians 45,500

Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm#earnings

To put these numbers in perspective, starting resident physicians earn on average between $35,000 and $50,000 depending on location and specialty. The technologists are making more on average than the resident doctors! This amount of compensation should indicate the relative importance the healthcare system places on radiologic technologists. So, stop doubting and start exploring today!