X-Ray Technician Salary
A report from the American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT) says that the average salary for all radiologic technologists was $61,733 in the U.S. in 2010. This number (which was based on self reported data from a sample of over 9,000 technologists) is slightly higher than the average x-ray technician salary the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites: $54,180 in 2009. Furthermore, the bottom 10 percent of x-ray technicians earn $35,700 according to the BLS, while the top 10 percent can earn over $75,000.
X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists can work in a variety of settings including diagnostic imaging centers, extended care facilities, clinics, doctors’ offices, and hospitals. Where one works can factor in to how much one makes working in this field—and in fact, geographic location, experience, specialty, and the type of health care facility where one holds an x-ray tech job all factor in to his or her x-ray technician salary.
Top Paying States for X-Ray Techs
According to the BLS, the five states with the highest x-ray technician salaries in 2009 were:
- Massachusetts: $68,530
- Nevada: $66,420
- Maryland: $65,820
- Hawaii: $63,470
- District of Columbia: $63,270
Additionally, the highest-paying metro areas in 2009 were:
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $78,300
- Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA: $72,790
- Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA: $72,540
- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA: $70,030
- Peabody, MA: $69,760
Top Paying Industries for X-Ray Techs
While the salary of an x-ray tech depends on many factors like experience and x-ray tech training, there are certain industries that tend to pay more than others. The most lucrative industries for x-ray technicians according to the BLS are:
- Scientific Research and Development Services: $64,800
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: $61,970
- Employment Services: $59,620
- Office Administration Services: $58,360
- Specialty Hospitals: $58,320
How Does Education Affect an X-Ray Technician Salary?
In short, the more education an x-ray tech has, the higher his or her salary is likely to be. According to ASRT’s Radiologic Technologist Wage and Salary Survey 2010, radiographers with an associate’s degree reported earning an average of $50,800 each year while those with master’s degrees said they earned closer to $77,000.
Additionally, continuing education and certification can help increase earnings and job security. Sometimes, employers will even sponsor these programs in order to boost the overall quality of their employees—and in turn, the services they provide. In fact, nearly 60 percent of the technologists who responded to the ASRT survey said their employers provided some form of tuition assistance to help pay for college, and 38.4 percent said funding was available to them specifically for CE courses and materials.
Do X-Ray Tech Salaries Increase with Experience?
Yes! The ASRT survey reports that radiographers who are just starting out in their careers (those with 0-2 years of experience) earn an average of $44,439. After 5 years in the field, however, x-ray techs earn an average of 15 percent more at around $51,170 per year. Those who have been working as radiographers for over thirty years see an average income of $64,201.
To learn more, learn how to become an x-ray technician.
