Radiology technologist take detailed images of the human body and use these images to help physicians to make an informed decision about medical conditions of the human body and the average radiology technician salary makes it an attractive career option for many people. Radiology technicians also use their expert knowledge to help them use different types of diagnostic radiology equipment according to the needs of the physician to take images of the human body.

However, in the last few years, there has been a great need for trained radiology technicians. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown that there is a serious need of more than 200,000 x-ray technicians who can deal with the increasing medical demands of the population. If you are planning to train as a radiology technician, then here is a quick guide to what you can expect as a radiology technician salary.

Radiology Technician Salary

Radiologists who go through training programs and graduate from the best radiologist’s colleges in the US are more likely to get paid a higher salary. For example, the top three colleges in the US have a waiting list for their radiology technician courses.

Students who complete their course at the best colleges which have simultaneous training courses and practical experience can expect a much higher salary than other colleges. Starting salaries for students who have trained at the best colleges like John Hopkins and Cedars Sinai can expect salaries in the range of $66,900 to $80,500 on an average. This salary may increase even more if the student works part-time with hospitals or clinics while studying.

The actual radiology technician salary will also depend on the degree that they have completed. For example, colleges may offer part time diplomas, certificate courses, or degrees for students. Certificate courses range anywhere from 12-24 months while diplomas may extend over two years while degrees extend to four years. Most employers prefer a Bachelor of Science degree in radiology as it combines the necessary clinical training with classroom training. The institute may also require you to complete your compulsory internship which will add to your experience and your resume.

Radiology Technician Salary With A Degree

Students who have completed the Bachelors degree can expect a radiology technician salary range anywhere from $44,900 to $49,500 while students who have completed certificate courses can expect a little lesser than that. Continuing your education further by acquiring a Master’s degree or a doctoral degree will also mean that you will get paid more.

No matter what course you select, it should be approved by the ARRT or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Once you have completed the course, you will also have to register with the association and pass an exam with them. Please note that all employers will prefer students who have completed an ARRT- approved course as it means that the curriculum and training is up to national standards.

Radiology Technician Salary By State

Once a student graduates radiology training they have to work for a few years to get experience. And a radiology technician salary will also depend on the location where the trainee wants to work and the experience that they have. For example, Massachusetts used to pay an annual salary of $68,530 for beginners, while Nevada offers an annual salary of about $66,420, the District of Columbia offers a salary of $63,270, Maryland offers a salary of $65,470 and Hawaii has a salary of $63,470.

Salary For Radiology Technician By Place Of Employment

These salaries will also depend on the hiring organization as hospitals tend to pay more than private nursing homes and teaching institutes. For example, medical and diagnostic laboratories pay about $55,210, general medical and surgical hospitals pay about $ 52,890 while outpatient clinics pay about $ 50,840. Salaries are also higher in large cities as compared to smaller hospitals in far flung locations. If you have the necessary experience, then you can expect a very high salary in a good range.

These are just general guidelines that will give you a broad idea of how much radiology tech salary you can expect. Hospitals will also always require a lot of technicians who will take care of the emerging sicknesses in the population. Vacancies and jobs are expected to grow in the next two years resulting in an easy access in to the medical industry. A number of vacancies will also be open in physicians and diagnostic imaging centers and these types of places will offer a great radiology technician salary after you have completed your training.

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