Annual Salary For Radiology Technician
Radiology technicians are in charge of a variety of tasks relating to radiology, including preparing patients for X-rays and other imaging procedures, operating diagnostic imaging equipment, and assisting radiologists during examinations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for radiologic technologists was $56,870 in May 2017.
The table below offers detailed salary information for this occupation:
The average annual salary for a radiology technician is $55,000. This is a very competitive salary, and it’s likely that you’ll be able to negotiate a higher rate depending on your experience and skills.
Annual Salary For Radiology Technician
1. MRI technologist
National average salary: $61,370 per year
Primary job duties: An MRI technologist is a medical professional who specializes in magnetic resonance imaging testing. They complete MRI scans to diagnose a patient’s medical ailments. MRI technologists prepare patients by injecting them with a special substance that allows the image to appear on the screen. They also explain the procedure to the patient and answer questions for them.
These professionals complete the test by using magnetic scanners with the substance to create the image. Some of their other job duties include positioning the patient and equipment, monitoring patients during the scan and analyzing the images.
Related: Learn About Being an MRI Technician
2. Radiologic technologist
National average salary: $65,144 per year
Primary job duties: A radiologic technician is a medical professional who uses specialized imaging equipment on patients. They use this equipment to create diagnostic images of human anatomy. These professionals perform technical tasks like handling the imaging equipment.
Radiologic technologists may reassure patients during their tests since scans like MRIs can be an uncomfortable experience. Some of their other job duties include maintaining the imaging equipment, preparing patients for their tests and operating the equipment during a scan. They also follow directions from a physician and record the patient’s medical information.
Related: Learn About Being a Radiologic Technologist
2. Cardiovascular technologist
National average salary: $77,740 per year
Primary job duties: A cardiovascular technologist is a radiological professional who works in a cardiac lab and performs imaging scans on patients. They diagnose and treat illnesses and disorders found in the heart. Cardiovascular technologists also complete procedures, such as stent implants, defibrillators and cardiac pacemakers.
These professionals may assist physicians with procedures or take emergency calls. They have several responsibilities, such as preparing patients for tests, answering patients’ questions and recording patients’ information. Cardiovascular technologists also complete stress tests and cardiograms.
4. Sonographer
National average salary: $77,740 per year
Primary job duties: A sonographer is a health care professional who uses special equipment to take videos, images or scans of patients to diagnose their health issues. Once they obtain the image, they analyze it to assess whether or not there are abnormalities. After they analyze the image, they report to a physician so they can develop a treatment plan.
Sonographers have several additional responsibilities, such as ensuring the images are high quality and creating a summary of what they found in the images. They also collaborate with doctors and nurses to care for each patient.
Related: Learn About Being a Sonographer
5. Radiation therapist
National average salary: $92,554 per year
Primary job duties: A radiation therapist is a health care professional who treats patients with cancer using radiation. They often collaborate with doctors and nurses who specialize in oncology, which is the study of cancer. Radiation therapists use large quantities of radiation to target cancer cells.
They follow directions given by a radiation oncologist, such as performing treatments. They have several responsibilities such as locating the area that needs treatment, using radiation machines and monitoring patients. These professionals use safety equipment to protect themselves and patients from the harmful effects of radiation.
Related: Learn About Being a Radiation Therapist
6. Nuclear medicine technologist
National average salary: $93,624 per year
Primary job duties: A nuclear medicine technologist is a professional who uses radioactive drugs to perform imaging scans. They prepare the drugs and give them to patients before their tests. Radioactive drugs and radiation-detecting equipment allow doctors to capture images of a patient’s body.
These professionals work closely with a supervising physician. They follow the doctor’s instructions and give the test results to them so they can analyze the images. Some of their duties include handling the imaging equipment, explaining the procedure to the patient and disposing of the radioactive drugs after usage.
7. Ultrasonographer
National average salary: $116,889 per year
Primary job duties: An ultrasonographer is a professional who specializes in ultrasound technology, which creates sound waves to take pictures of the inside of a patient’s body. They may perform ultrasounds on pregnant women to monitor fetal development. They could also do ultrasounds on the heart, nervous system and cardiovascular system.
Ultrasonographers work closely with doctors and may help them perform biopsies. Some of their other duties include explaining procedures to patients, answering their questions and recording their medical information. They also monitor patients during the ultrasound and ensure that they’re comfortable.
