XRay Technician Salary
Xray technicians are medical professionals who are responsible for creating medical images needed for the proper diagnosis of patients. They are also in-charge of maintaining the supplies and equipment needed for demonstrating human body parts on X-ray films. They are usually employed in clinics, medical laboratories, hospitals and nursing homes. They specialize in different fields like diagnostic radiography and mammography. Know more about them by learning the usual salaries that they receive.
Annual Salaries of Xray Technicians Based on Length of Service
New-entry xray technicians usually get an annual income of $29,000 to $45,000 while those who already worked for a year to four years receive $29,000 to $46,000 a year. On the other hand, technicians who work for 5 years to 9 years are paid $30,000 to $48,000. Professionals who work as xray technicians for 10 years to 19 years get a yearly pay of $38,000 to $51,000 and those who are employed for at least 20 years receive compensation packages amounting to $41,000 to $60,000.
Annual Salaries of Xray Technicians Based on Type of Employment
Xray technicians who are recruited by companies usually get an annual pay of $36,000 to $58,000. On the other hand, those who are employed by hospitals receive a yearly income of $31,000 to $51,000. Lastly, technicians who work for federal governmental agencies are paid $28,000 to $40,000 a year.
Annual Salaries of Xray Technicians Based on Gender
Aside from length of service and employer type, gender is another factor that affects the compensation packages offered to xray technicians. The salaries of female technicians are higher than male technicians. They receive $31,000 to $55,000 while male xray technicians get $29,000 to $45,000 a year.
Annual Salaries of Xray Technicians Based on Hospital Setting
Most xray technicians work at medical establishments. The setting of an establishment affects the salaries that are offered to them. For instance, technicians who are recruited by general hospitals get an annual pay of $32,000 to $54,000. On the other hand, those who are employed at physicians’ offices usually receive a yearly income of $29,000 to $40,000.
Hourly Rates of Xray Technicians
Another way of looking at the salaries of xray technicians is through hourly rates. The hourly rate of technicians who work at hospitals ranges from $16 to $25 while those who are employed at private office have an hourly rate of $15 to $22. If they are hired by non-profit organizations, they can expect an hourly rate of $16 to $22. Finally, if they are recruited by governmental agencies, the rate is between $17 to $23.
More Points on Xray Technician Salary
X-Ray technicians are medical professionals who are knowledgeable in using radiography to create images of human anatomy. The salaries that they receive depend on several factors such as hospital setting, length of service, employment type and gender. If they want to profit from their profession, it is important that they weigh the pros and cons of job offerings of potential employers. In addition, it is essential that they stay in this profession for at least a decade because the longer they practice the profession, the higher the salaries offered to them.
How to Become an X-Ray Technician
An x-ray technician takes radiographs of the human body in order to aid in medical diagnosis. He/she also helps patients prepare for x-ray procedures, maintains x-ray equipment, and keeps and maintains examination and equipment usage records. In order to become an x-ray technician, an individual must complete an approved course of academic study, pass a certification exam, and register in the state that he/she intends to practice his/her new trade in. Once someone becomes an x-ray technician, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists requires 24 hours of continuing medical education to re-certify in the field.
How to Become an X-Ray Technician
Step 1 – Apply for an approved academic program. X-ray technicians must first complete an accredited and approved radiography program at one of more than 600 academic institutions in the United States. The length of training ranges from the radiography certificate to an associates or bachelors degree in radiography. These programs combine coursework with laboratory and clinical practice under a licensed specialist. Classwork focuses on radiation safety, physiology, medical terminology, anatomy, and pathology.
Step 2 – Pass a certifying exam. The certifying exam cannot be taken until an approved course of study has been completed. The certifying exam is a test provided to ensure that the prospective technician meets the minimum standards of practice as an x-ray technician. Many certificate and associates degree programs help students prepare for the exam. However, each program is slightly different.
Step 3 – Obtain an x-ray technician license. Most states require annual registration or licensing renewal. The licensing requirements vary by state and normally require a technician licensed in one state to apply in another. Continuing education requirements are normally verified when technicians renew their license.
Step 4 – Specialize in a field. X-ray technicians who want to have more employment opportunities can specialize in branches of radiography. These areas include magnetic resonance, CT scanning, and mammography. In order to specialize, the prospective technician must do additional coursework and gain practical experience in addition to the basic education program requirements for an x-ray technician.
Step 5 – Plan for career advancement. X-ray technicians advance in their fields through job experience and advancing their education by taking online or night classes outside of work. Positions as radiologist assistants or radiology practitioner assistants can be obtained in this manner.