Radiologic technologists use X-rays, MRI, or CAT scans to diagnose disease or evaluate therapy. Salary is affected by education, experience, certification, specialization, and location. A degree is preferred, experience affects salary negotiations, specialization increases pay, and urban areas pay higher wages.
A radiologic technologist is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for obtaining images of a patient’s body using X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed axial tomography (CAT) to diagnose disease or evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. About half of radiologic technologists have earned an associate’s degree, while others hold a certification in radiologic technology, and a small percentage have earned a bachelor’s degree. Factors that affect a radiologic technologist’s salary include education, experience, certification, specialization, and location. The technologist’s experience tends to affect salary more when he or she is negotiating with a new employer.
A technologist’s educational preparation can significantly affect a radiologic technologist’s salary. While few still enter this career by preparing a certificate alone, approximately half of technologists have earned an associate degree in the field. The hospital-issued certification program appears to be in the process of being phased out, as the required duration of study for a certificate in the field and the associate degree are nearly the same; most employers prefer technologists with a degree, and professional associations of radiologic technologists support mandates that require degrees to enter the field. Earning a bachelor’s degree can also increase a radiologic technologist’s salary and opportunities for supervisory positions.
A second factor that can affect a radiologic technologist’s salary is the amount of experience he has in the field. This aspect tends to be more influential when a technologist is offered a position by a new employer and their number of years in the field translates directly into a higher salary offered. Career tenure with the same employer appears to have a significant impact on a radiologic technologist’s salary when she is employed in a government health facility and her years of experience allow her to achieve a higher salary level. Certifications offered by various professional organizations can also increase a technologist’s income potential.
Specialization is a significant factor in a radiologic technologist’s salary and earning potential. Technicians who train only X-rays tend to earn the lowest wages. Specializing in CT scans, MRI scans or mammography can add to a radiologic technologist’s salary. This salary increase comes with the additional training, exam, and certification required by this specialization.
Finally, where she lives and works can influence a radiologic technologist’s salary. Highly populated urban areas tend to pay the highest wages. Other areas that offer higher salaries are usually regional hospitals in isolated or rural areas. Midsize cities generally offer average salaries.
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