As a radiology technician, it will be your responsibility to operate advanced medical equipment such as x-rays, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The radiology tech career has seen a significant increase in the number of individuals getting into it, primarily because of the job security it brings. Radiology tech salary is also a major reason why this career is highly sought after.
Based on the statistics released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) during the year 2009, the average annual radiology tech salary was ,180. Radiology techs that work in the field of research and development are the ones earning the highest averages at ,800 annually. Other high-paying industries for this career are general medical and surgical hospitals, outpatient care centers, and doctor’s offices.
The technicalities involved in the duties and responsibilities of a radiology tech, as well as the complexities in the interpretations and analysis they perform during diagnostic imaging procedures are among the reasons why radiology tech salary is quite good. Also, the procedures that radiology techs perform is critical in helping doctors make accurate diagnosis of a patient’s medical condition.
There are several factors that determine the amount of radiology tech salary an individual is capable of earning. As with most careers, educational background is a major determining factor – better education credentials will translate to better employment opportunities and therefore better earning potential as well. Enrolling in a 2-year Associate’s Degree program is a good start.
With sufficient work experience, your radiology tech salary can undergo significant improvements. Remember, you can’t expect to instantly receive a high salary or be qualified for a top-level position if you are just starting with your career, even with the best educational credentials. You need to go through the ranks and work your way up as you gain the needed work experience.
Acquiring certification can also improve your chances of receiving higher radiology tech salary. Once you have completed your training program, you can voluntary apply for certification with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This requires an applicant to have completed an ARRT-accredited training programs and successful completion of a certification exam.