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Average
Salary & Job Outlook
X-ray
Technicians
Median wages (2005)
$45,950 annually
U.S. Minimum Wage
$10,712 Annually
The average annual salary for x-ray technicians and radiology
technicians was $45,950 in 2005. X-ray techs
and radiology techs that work in doctor’s offices earn
approximately $40,200 and those who work in medical laboratories
earn an average of $62,340 yearly.
As with most medial fields, careers for x-ray technicians and
radiology technicians are expected to grow faster than average
over the next ten years. There is expected to be a nearly 23%
increase in job openings through 2014. This growth will come
from population growth and aging, advancements in technology
and an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging. |
What
are x-ray technicians & radiology technicians?
If you want a specialized medical career that you
can train for in a short amount of time, becoming
an x-ray technician and radiology technician is a
good option for you.
X-ray techs and radiology techs are very important
to medical facilities because they are responsible
for managing the overall x-ray imaging
process.
Most x-ray techs and radiology techs work for large
hospitals because they can afford expensive testing
equipment. However, due to long wait times
for testing, private testing centers are opening
up rapidly across the country and they have x-ray
capabilities available.
What are common tasks for x-ray technicians & radiology
technicians?
X-ray technicians are also known as radiology technicians
or radiographers. These technicians explain the x-ray
procedure to patients, prepare patients for the procedure
and position them for the best possible imaging outcome.
One of their primary duties includes demonstrating
portions of the human body on x-ray film.
Additionally, x-ray techs and radiology techs operate
the testing equipment, develop x-ray films, repair
diagnostic equipment and keep patient’s testing
records. X-ray techs must observe proper safety
procedures to avoid unnecessary exposure to harmful
radiation.
Some x-ray techs and radiology techs specialize
in other diagnostic testing like computerized tomography
scanning, also known as CT scans and magnetic resonance
imaging, also known as MRI.
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