How Much Does a Radiography Tech Make? Exploring Salaries, Benefits, and Job Outlook

Overview of Radiography Technician Pay Rates

Radiography technicians use imaging technology to diagnose and treat medical conditions. They use X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and other scanning equipment to capture images of the body’s internal structures. Their findings help doctors make diagnoses, plan treatment, and monitor patient progress. Radiography technicians are highly skilled healthcare professionals, and their salaries reflect this expertise.

Definition of Radiography Technician

Radiography technicians, also known as radiologic technologists and radiographers, are trained in the operation of sophisticated imaging equipment and radiation safety procedures. They prepare patients for scans, position them correctly on the imaging table, and operate the scanning equipment. After completing the scan, they review the results and discuss them with radiologists and other medical personnel. Radiography technicians must maintain detailed records of their work and follow all safety guidelines.

Average Salaries for Radiography Technicians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for radiography technicians was $62,280 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,350, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,110. The median hourly wage was $29.93.

Factors That Influence Radiography Technician Salary

Several factors can affect the earning potential of a radiography technician. These include education, experience, location, and specialization.

Education and Certification

Most employers require radiography technicians to have an associate degree or certificate from an accredited program. Radiography technicians must also be licensed or certified in most states. Certification is available through organizations such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Earning certification can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities.

Experience

Radiography technicians typically earn more with additional experience. Those with several years of experience may be eligible for higher-paying positions, such as supervisor or instructor roles. In addition, many employers offer bonuses for those who stay with the company for several years.

Location

Location can also influence radiography technician salaries. For example, radiography technicians in large cities tend to earn more than those in rural areas. This is due to the higher cost of living in urban areas, as well as the increased demand for radiographers in densely populated areas.

Specialization

Radiography technicians can specialize in different types of imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and mammography. Specialization can lead to higher salaries, as employers are willing to pay more for workers with specialized skills. In addition, those who specialize in certain areas may be eligible for additional certifications, which can lead to higher wages.

Differences in Radiography Technician Salaries by State

Regional Variation

Radiography technician salaries vary from state to state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiography technicians in California earned an average annual salary of $86,070 in 2019. By comparison, those in Texas earned an average of $71,080, and those in Florida earned an average of $68,270. Other states with high salaries for radiography technicians include New York ($79,290) and Pennsylvania ($76,890).

Highest Paying States

The states with the highest salaries for radiography technicians are Alaska ($94,930), Hawaii ($91,110), and Massachusetts ($89,720). The District of Columbia also has a high average salary of $88,340. These states tend to have higher costs of living, so the higher salaries reflect the need to compensate for this.

Benefits That Can Increase a Radiography Technician’s Take-Home Pay

In addition to base salaries, radiography technicians may receive a variety of benefits that can increase their take-home pay. These include bonuses, health insurance, and retirement accounts.

Bonuses

Many employers offer bonuses to radiography technicians for meeting certain goals or milestones. These bonuses can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the employer. Bonuses are often awarded for completing additional certifications or for working extra shifts.

Health Insurance

Many employers offer health insurance to radiography technicians. This can save employees hundreds or even thousands of dollars in medical expenses each year. Employers may also offer dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance.

Retirement Accounts

Radiography technicians may also be eligible for employer-sponsored retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans. These plans allow employees to contribute pre-tax money to a retirement account, and employers may match contributions up to a certain percentage. This can add up to substantial savings over time.

Job Prospects for Radiography Technicians

Demand for Radiography Technicians

The demand for radiography technicians is expected to rise in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiography technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population and the increasing need for diagnostic imaging.

Job Outlook

Radiography technicians will continue to be in demand as medical technology advances and more healthcare facilities open. Job prospects should be good, particularly in areas with a growing population. In addition, those with additional certifications and specialized skills may have better job prospects.

Tips for Maximizing Your Radiography Technician Salary

There are several steps you can take to maximize your salary as a radiography technician. These include negotiating for higher pay, looking for additional certifications, moving to higher-paying areas, keeping up with industry trends, and considering working overtime.

Negotiate for Higher Pay

Don’t be afraid to negotiate for higher pay. If you feel you deserve more than what is being offered, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Be prepared to explain why you deserve a higher salary, and back it up with evidence of your qualifications and experience.

Look for Additional Certifications

Additional certifications can open up higher-paying opportunities. Look into certifications in specialized areas, such as MRI or CT. These certifications may require additional training and exams, but they can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities.

Move to Higher-Paying Areas

If you’re willing to move, consider relocating to a higher-paying area. States like Alaska, Hawaii, and Massachusetts have some of the highest salaries for radiography technicians. Moving to these states can significantly increase your salary.

Keep Up with Industry Trends

Radiography is an ever-changing field, so it’s important to keep up with industry trends. Staying up to date on new technologies and techniques can help you stay competitive and open up higher-paying opportunities.

Consider Working Overtime

Working overtime can be a great way to increase your salary. Many employers offer overtime pay, which can significantly boost your take-home pay. Just make sure you are aware of any overtime regulations in your state before taking on extra hours.

Conclusion

Radiography technicians are highly skilled healthcare professionals who can earn competitive salaries. Their salaries can be affected by factors such as education, experience, location, and specialization. In addition, radiography technicians may be eligible for bonuses, health insurance, and retirement accounts. With the increasing demand for radiographers, job prospects should remain strong. Finally, there are several steps radiography technicians can take to maximize their salaries, such as negotiating for higher pay, looking for additional certifications, and considering working overtime.