What Is The Average Radiology Tech Salary?

Here at thecertificationguide.com we are often asked what is the average radiology tech salary? But the terminology used in this question is often misleading. Most people asking this question actually mean what does a radiology technologist earn?

The average salary will depend on a number of factors including whether you are a radiology technologist or a radiology technician, the location you are working in, the type of facility you work in, whether you hold extra qualifications, and any experience and seniority you have.

When people say radiology tech, it is taken to mean a radiology technologist rather than a radiology technician. The former is more highly qualified, better paid and more in demand than a technician.

What is the difference between a radiology technologist and a radiology technician?

There is a lot of confusion over the role of the radiology technologist caused in part by the various names given to this position. There are only two correct terms that should be used to describe people who work in this field being radiology technologist and radiology technician.

The terms x-ray tech, radiologist tech and radiology tech are all incorrect. They are simply slang terms which can often offend the people working in this occupation who have studied hard to earn the right to be called a technologist.

A radiology Technologist is the name given to someone qualified to complete any form of imaging procedure from a chest x-ray to a fluoroscopy etc. They will be called in to do portable examinations during surgery or when a patient cannot be moved away from the ICU.

On the other hand a radiology technician is only permitted to do certain imaging jobs. They tend to be lower paid and will be more involved with preparing the patient for the imaging process, positioning them correctly and adjusting the equipment.

For example some radiology technicians only have a license to x-ray limbs i.e. arms and legs. But in practice the number of radiology technicians operating in medical facilities is quite low because it is difficult to find a medical facility that wants to employ someone who can only do a limited range of procedures. They would prefer to pay a higher salary to a radiology technologist who can complete any procedure required by the patient’s Dr. Those with limited licenses tend to work for specialist clinics such as orthopedic physicians rather than in large medical facilities or diagnostic laboratories.

Location is important

Where you are located has an impact on radiology technologist and radiology technician salaries. Some states are experiencing a shortage of trained technologists and so the average salary will increase. For example if you were to work in Massachusetts you would earn about $12,000 more on average than the average salary in California or in DC.

Remember to take into account the cost of living in the area with the higher salaries before you pack your suitcase with the intention of chasing these remuneration packages.

The type of facility you work in makes a difference

Generally speaking radiologist technologists who work in medical and diagnostic laboratories will earn more than those working in a general medical hospital. The Federal Executive branch is the next best paying employer with Physicians offices and outpatient care centers coming in third and fourth respectively.

The radiology technician working in an orthopedic facility will usually come out a lot lower. Remember these figures are estimates based on the entire country and may not reflect the position in your local city or within your State.

Taking additional qualification and certification exams

Some radiology technologists will increase their salaries and job opportunities by taking additional license exams in the areas of CT, mammography, nuclear medicine or certain heart procedures. Some may become cardiovascular technologists.

The average radiology tech salary will be determined by the type of job you hold. For example an x-ray technician and an MRI technician could both be trained radiology technologists but the MRI specialist will tend to earn a higher salary. His position is seen as being more specialized.

Experience and seniority

Other key factors that impact a radiology technician salary will be the type of work experience you have and your seniority in the department. When you leave college and have just achieved your certification you are not going to earn as much as someone who has been working in the same field for over ten years and now supervises all the new trainees.

The type of experience you hold is definitely a factor in the salary calculations. If you have worked in a diagnostic laboratory exploring and developing the latest techniques you are likely to earn more than someone who spends all day long taking images of patients in a standard hospital environment.

Hopefully this article has helped clear up the confusion over why there can be so many variations in the radiology tech salary you see quoted on online job sites or in your local paper. Always check that the position being advertised is the one most suitable given your qualifications as a radiology technologist. If you want to increase the radiology tech salary you earn, you should go back to complete your studies to become a technologist.