The salary of an X-ray technician has shot up in recent years owing to the increasing demand for such professionals in a variety of setups. This article provides an insight into their pay scales.
The medical profession has evolved tremendously creating employment for a variety of job roles. Since the evolution of technology has revolutionized the health care system, the need for skilled workforce to carry out technical tasks has become paramount. This is where the role of technicians in the industry is crucial. And there have been various jobs related to veterinary, radiology, etc., that have become very popular. If you were ever interested in working on X-rays during your medical study, then a career as an X-ray technician is a great option for you.
Per Hour Wages
The pay scale in recent years has been good, thanks to the increased usage of imaging equipment in hospitals and other health care units. The per hour wage statistics have been tabulated below.
| Salary Per Hour Based on Employer Type | |
| Industry | Hourly Rate (In USD) |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | 15 – 23.50 |
| Medical Services | 15.70 – 23.30 |
| Orthopedic Surgery | 15.60 – 23.00 |
| Hospital | 15.80 – 23.40 |
Annual Pay
Educational qualifications and further studies help these staff to enhance their earning opportunities. The salary in today’s market is around USD 50,000 to USD 72,000 per year. In the medical and diagnostic laboratories, the pay scale is approximately USD 51,000 per year. In general medical and surgical hospitals, it averages at USD 46,000 annually. The increase in the compensation in the coming years will be much dependent upon the advancements in technology, and the ability of these workers to keep up with those advancements. This is where the role of continuing education is very important. By gaining additional certifications, they can improve their employment opportunities to a great extent. The large laboratories and hospitals generally pay higher than smaller hospitals and clinics. Nevertheless, work experience plays a pivotal role in commanding better pay.
Job Profile and Career Outlook
Their duties include taking images of specific body organs as required by the expert medical practitioner. They have to ensure that they follow the correct techniques and capture the right picture that is required by the physician. They are also responsible for executing all necessary precautions so that the patient is not exposed to excess or unwanted radiation.
After doing some research from your college library and inquiring with the in-charge of the placement cell, you can get to know about those vocational schools that provide training in this field. The job outlook looks promising with the aging population and increasing use of imaging technology. Those who later specialize in MRI scanning have tremendous scope for career advancement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment growth at 21% from 2012 – 2022, much higher than the national average.