Are you interested in learning about the role of an X-Ray Technician, their responsibilities, and what position they play in medical care? In my in-depth look at What Does An X-Ray Technician Do?
I’ll be answering the most frequently asked questions about this fascinating medical job and discussing how to become one.
So, let’s get straight to it…
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Contents
- What Is The Role of an X-Ray Technician?
- What Are The Responsibilities of An X-Ray Technician?
- How Much Do X-Ray Technicians Earn?
- How Do You Become an X-ray Technician?
- What’s the Difference Between an Associates Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Science?
- What Program Should You Choose?
- What Is an X-Ray Certification?
- Types of Certificates
- The American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT)
- Registered Radiology Assistant (RRA)
- Radiologic Technologist Mammography Certification
- Therapeutic Radiologic Technology Certification
- Working Conditions
- What Skills Do You Need To Be An X-Ray Technician?
- Mechanical
- Medical Knowledge
- Communication
- Punctuality
- Reliability
- Want to Learn More about the Various Medical Careers?
- What Does An X-Ray Technician Do?
What Is The Role of an X-Ray Technician?
An X-Ray Technician, also known as a Radiologic Technician, uses technology to look at images of patients’ bones and bodies to diagnose any underlying conditions and evaluate whether patients require treatment.
They use a range of different medical equipment to do this, such as X-Ray machines, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerised Tomography (CT), Ultrasound, and Endoscopy. The majority of Technicians work in hospitals and are trained to treat and diagnose a range of patients with varying medical issues.
What Are The Responsibilities of An X-Ray Technician?
The most common responsibilities of an x-ray technician include…
- Diagnose patient’s conditions using medical equipment
- Analyze, interpret, and evaluate results using x-ray imaging
- Conduct medical assessments and treatment plans
- Provide medical recommendations
- Adjust X-Ray imaging to provide accurate results
How Much Do X-Ray Technicians Earn?
The average salary of an X-Ray Technician is around $60,000 per year in the US in 2023. This means you expect to earn an average of around $30 per hour. However, this figure will depend on the state you’re working in, the type of institution, as well as the demand for your expertise.
How Do You Become an X-ray Technician?
To qualify, you will need to gain an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science or become a Bachelor of Science. Before working as a trained X-Ray Technician, most companies request an Associate’s Degree as the minimum.
But before you get to that stage, you’ll need to complete your education. It helps to focus on maths and science in High School before opting to complete your higher education Associate or Undergraduate Bachelor of Science in a healthcare-related field. Your education will involve a combination of academic studies and learning how to work in a clinical setting. Depending on your location, you may be required to obtain a license to study an academic program and become certified.
You must complete an internship to become a qualified X-Ray Technician. You can find placements with your local university, which involve working in a practical setting and learning how to perform the necessary duties. You’ll first be supervised and will learn how to develop vital skills that will support your future career in Radiology.
Next, you must complete the relevant certificate and pass an exam. The certificates options are listed below. You must complete an exam to become licensed. All exams must be accredited under the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
What’s the Difference Between an Associates Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Science?
It’s helpful to know the differences between the two qualifications before taking either degree to work as an X-Ray Technician. The main difference is the time it takes to qualify. An Associates Degree takes two years, while a Bachelor’s Degree takes up to four to complete.
Completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science involves more coursework and examinations, but has a higher salary potential, and generally, there are more career opportunities available as well.
What Program Should You Choose?
To work as an X-Ray Technician, you have to ensure your qualifications are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
You’ll have to undergo appropriate training to obtain a license to work for most medical institutions. If you need guidance finding an appropriate program, you can search the official committee website for Radiologic Technology.
What Is an X-Ray Certification?
This is a training program that potential radiologists undergo to ensure they can legally use medical equipment and perform x-rays and other related assessments. This certificate must be accredited by the (JRCERT) if it’s to be recognized by a health institution.
Types of Certificates
Obtaining a certificate is not mandatory to get employed as an X-Ray Technician, though completing one will enhance your earning potential.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT)
This is for individuals that want to specialize in certain types of radiology. You have to obtain an Associate’s degree in Radiologic Technology and complete education in an (AART) institution to be accredited. To qualify, you must pass an ethics review and take an exam.
Registered Radiology Assistant (RRA)
To become a registered Radiology Assistant, you must hold an advanced qualification. Radiology uses medical imagery to diagnose and treat illnesses. This certificate must be accredited under the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART). To qualify, you must pass an ethics review and take an exam. To enter the program, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree.
Radiologic Technologist Mammography Certification
This is obtained through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Mammography is related to using medical imagery to detect illnesses and diseases in breasts. To get the certificate, you must have a minimum of forty hours of training in mammography. You’ll also be required to sit an exam.
Therapeutic Radiologic Technology Certification
This is for individuals that want to become registered as a Radiologist. You’ll be required to sit an exam to pass this certificate as well as have an Associate’s degree.
Working Conditions
The majority of X-Ray Technicians work full-time in hospitals, physician offices, medical laboratories, and outpatient centers.
The nature of this role involves moving heavy machinery and equipment, being in a radioactive environment, and seeing multiple patients a day. Work schedules vary, and X-Ray Technicians are needed during evenings, weekends, as well as in emergencies.
What Skills Do You Need To Be An X-Ray Technician?
Next, let’s cover the necessary skills needed to be a successful X-Ray Technician…
Mechanical
You will need to work with radiology technology and equipment to make assessments and report medical data for patients and other professionals. Using and adjusting X-Ray machines and reading CT scans are a part of the regular duties of a Technician. You may also be required to deal with any technical issues and fix equipment during the examinations.
Medical Knowledge
Having sufficient knowledge about medical science is crucial for this role. You must have a good understanding of human anatomy and know how to diagnose conditions and illnesses. You should be able to identify vital signs of serious health conditions and know how to treat them.
To qualify as an X-Ray Technician, you’ll be required to prove your medical expertise by passing exams to obtain your certificate and also gain enough work experience before independently working in this role.
Communication
Being able to communicate and have good interpersonal skills is integral for this role. You won’t be interacting with patients as much as other medical workers, but you’ll need to be able to work with a variety of them with varying needs. You must also take into account patients’ concerns and consider these during medical assessments.
Therefore, you must therefore be able to communicate with patients to check that they are comfortable and have everything they need during the medical exams. Communicating and interacting in a multi-disciplinary setting with other medical professionals such as physicians is also required.
Punctuality
To be able to conduct and assess numerous patients with complex needs, punctuality is a necessity. You may also be multitasking during consultations and have different issues to attend to at once. So it’s important to prioritize workflow and make sure you can finish examinations as scheduled.
Reliability
Assessing patients accurately and producing reliable results is essential for an X-Ray Technician. Evaluating patients and not reporting the correct information can lead to a misdiagnosis. So it’s not only important that you have sufficient knowledge in this field, but also that you are very detail-oriented.
Read more: Awaiting Delivery Scan Meaning USPS
Want to Learn More about the Various Medical Careers?
Then take a look at our in-depth Medical Biller Job Description, our Medical Secretary Job Description, our Medical Coder Job Description, our Medical Examiner Job Description, our Medical Assistant Job Description, or our Medical Records Clerk Job Description.
You may also be interested in knowing more about High Paying Medical Jobs You Can Do With Little Schooling, Healthcare Jobs That Require No Experience, the Top Highest Paying Medical Jobs, the Companies That Hire For Remote Work From Home Healthcare Jobs, the Companies that Hire for Remote Medical Coding Jobs, and the Companies That Hire For Remote Health Coach Jobs in 2023.
Or, if you have your heart set on being an X-Ray Technician, check out the following books to help you on your journey – Becoming a Radiologic Technologist – A Student’s Guide: from Choosing the Right School to Jump Starting Your Career, X-Ray Tech (Quick Study Academic), the Radiographic Positioning: Pocket Guide, or for a humorous look at the profession, The Foreign Body – A collection of the most interesting X-rays of things that don’t belong and the stories behind how they got there!
What Does An X-Ray Technician Do?
So, that’s it; you now know exactly what’s involved in working as and becoming an X-Ray Technician. It’s a very interesting job with a lot of variety and constant challenges, but the reward of helping people recover from injuries and have a better life is well worth it.
If you think you’re up to the role and really want to make a difference in people’s lives, start your journey today, and the very best with your career as an X-Ray Technician.
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FAQs
What Does An X-Ray Technician Do? - How Much Do They Earn? ›
$75,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $106,600 is the 75th percentile. Salaries above this are outliers.
What is the highest paid xray tech? ›- Interventional Technologist. ...
- Mammography Technologist. ...
- Lead Mammographer. ...
- Diagnostician. ...
- Diagnostic Imaging Manager. ...
- Radiological Engineer. ...
- Mammographer. Salary range: $64,500-$85,000 per year. ...
- Lead Radiologic Technologist. Salary range: $59,000-$84,000 per year.
$75,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $106,600 is the 75th percentile. Salaries above this are outliers.
How much does an xray tech make in Ohio? ›The average salary for a x-ray technologist in Ohio is $52,000 per year. X-ray technologist salaries in Ohio can vary between $23,000 to $79,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
How much do x-ray technicians make in Charleston SC? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $110,489 and as low as $27,740, the majority of Radiology Tech salaries currently range between $44,665 (25th percentile) to $71,934 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $99,674 annually in Charleston.
Is it stressful being an xray tech? ›Regardless of where you choose to work, there will be times when you'll need to comfort patients going through difficult times. You may also need to deal with packed x-ray schedules and strenuous days. Overall, while there are stressful moments in any medical career, you'll also find your work to be rewarding.
What type of radiology pays the most? ›How to Start Your Career in Radiology. Radiation oncologists and radiologists earn the highest average salaries in this field.
What is the lowest salary for an X ray tech? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $91,068 and as low as $26,439, the majority of X Ray Technician salaries currently range between $40,638 (25th percentile) to $61,201 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $78,827 annually in California.
How much do X ray techs get paid hourly in SC? ›| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years | $40.42 |
| 3 to 5 years | - |
| 6 to 9 years | $47.72 |
| More than 10 years | $52.42 |
| State | Employment (1) | Hourly mean wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | 17,990 | $ 47.92 |
| Florida | 14,110 | $ 29.94 |
| New York | 13,060 | $ 39.04 |
| Ohio | 10,130 | $ 30.92 |
How much money does a phlebotomist make in Ohio? ›
How much does a Hospital Phlebotomist make in Ohio? As of May 21, 2023, the average annual pay for a Hospital Phlebotomist in Ohio is $37,654 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $18.10 an hour. This is the equivalent of $724/week or $3,137/month.
How much does a MRI tech make in Ohio? ›The average salary for a mri technologist in Ohio is $64,500 per year. Mri technologist salaries in Ohio can vary between $31,500 to $88,000 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
How much does a surgery tech get paid in Ohio? ›The average Surgical Technologist - Certified salary in Ohio is $52,310 as of May 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $47,018 and $57,545.
How much do x-ray techs get paid in CT? ›How much does a X Ray Technologist make in Connecticut? As of May 17, 2023, the average annual pay for a X Ray Technologist in Connecticut is $56,371 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $27.10 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,084/week or $4,697/month.
How much do x-ray techs get paid in Florida? ›The average salary for a radiologic technologist in Florida is $50,500 per year. Radiologic technologist salaries in Florida can vary between $24,000 to $85,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
How much does an x-ray tech make a year in Florida? ›| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $64,126 | $5,343 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,787 | $4,148 |
| Average | $40,216 | $3,351 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,058 | $2,754 |
A: The 3 pieces of PPE for all radiologic workers are aprons, thyroid shields, and dosimeters.
What are the cons of being a radiology technician? ›- Certification and licensing requirements. Radiology technicians earn a license or certification to work in certain states or with certain employers. ...
- Working conditions. ...
- Constant new technology. ...
- Physical challenges. ...
- On-call hours.
There is a lot of mathematics associated with using x-rays for imaging. First of all there is the mathematics involved with the physics of x-rays. There are partial differential equations for describing electromagnetic wave propagation.
What is the highest paid in the medical field? ›Frequently Asked Questions About Highest-Paying Medical Jobs
The highest-paid among them worked in hospitals, earning $119,450. Radiation therapists only need an associate degree and earned a median salary of $82,790 in May 2021, BLS data shows. Earning a higher-level degree can lead to even higher salaries.
Can you become a radiologist without going to med school? ›
A radiologist must both have a medical degree and have completed an accredited residency program in radiology. To work as an independent radiologist, you must have completed a further fellowship after your residency.
Where do MRI techs make the most money? ›- Palo Alto, CA. $69.53 per hour. 19 salaries reported.
- San Diego, CA. $61.76 per hour. 95 salaries reported.
- Sacramento, CA. $59.40 per hour. 11 salaries reported.
- San Francisco, CA. $58.08 per hour. 53 salaries reported.
- Eureka, CA. $53.47 per hour. ...
- Show more nearby cities.
The average salary for a mri technologist in Florida is $68,500 per year. Mri technologist salaries in Florida can vary between $33,500 to $100,000 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
How much does a radiology tech make in Georgia? ›The average salary for a radiologic technologist in Georgia is around $59,570 per year.
What are radiological procedures? ›The most common types of diagnostic radiology exams include: Computed tomography (CT), also known as a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, including CT angiography. Fluoroscopy, including upper GI and barium enema. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) Mammography.
How much does an ultrasound tech make in South Carolina? ›The average salary for a ultrasound technologist in South Carolina is $69,500 per year.
How much does an xray tech make in NC? ›The average salary for a x-ray technologist in North Carolina is $49,500 per year. X-ray technologist salaries in North Carolina can vary between $23,500 to $81,000 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
Which state is best for Radiology? ›According to ZipRecruiter, the top-paying states for radiologist jobs are New York, New Hampshire, and Wyoming. The lowest-paying states are Texas, North Carolina, and Illinois.
How is math used in radiologic technologist? ›First of all there is the mathematics involved with the physics of x-rays. There are partial differential equations for describing electromagnetic wave propagation. After that you have the mathematics of the forward problem of using x-rays for generating an image.
How much does an EKG tech make in Ohio? ›How much does an Ekg Technician make in Ohio? As of May 29, 2023, the average annual pay for an Ekg Technician in Ohio is $42,077 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $20.23 an hour. This is the equivalent of $809/week or $3,506/month.
What job pays phlebotomist the most? ›
- Laboratory Phlebotomist. Salary range: $39,500-$240,000 per year. ...
- Phlebotomist PRN. Salary range: $36,000-$69,500 per year. ...
- Phlebotomy Supervisor. ...
- Traveling Phlebotomist. ...
- Phlebotomy Specialist. ...
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician. ...
- Certified Phlebotomist. ...
- Mobile Phlebotomist.
- San Francisco, CA. $24.70 per hour. 46 salaries reported.
- Tarzana, CA. $23.97 per hour. 10 salaries reported.
- Anaheim, CA. $21.93 per hour. 21 salaries reported.
- San Diego, CA. $21.35 per hour. 32 salaries reported.
- Sacramento, CA. $21.35 per hour. ...
- Show more nearby cities.
$62,181 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $125,341 is the 90th percentile.
How long does it take to become an mri tech in Ohio? ›Although the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiologic Technology typically takes two years to complete, students have the opportunity to complete the program in three years with part-time study if they require more flexibility in their daily schedules and cannot accommodate full-time enrollment.
Is an mri tech a good career choice? ›While many opportunities exist for healthcare specialists, MRI technologist is one of the best options available. MRI technologist training allows you to work in a growing industry and earn competitive wages.
How much does a dental assistant make in Ohio? ›How much does a Dental Assistant make in Ohio? The average Dental Assistant salary in Ohio is $44,659 as of May 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $39,928 and $48,920.
What is the salary of a medical device engineer in Ohio? ›The average Medical Device Engineer salary in Cincinnati, OH is $80,272 as of May 25, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $68,501 and $93,504.
How long does it take to become a surgical tech in Ohio? ›Most surgical tech programs will typically take between 9 months and 2 years to complete depending on whether it is a certificate or degree program.
What is the difference between x-ray technician and radiologic technologist? ›While X-Ray Techs work in small clinics and imaging labs, Radiologic Technologists usually work/start in Emergency Rooms. As a CRT you not only have to be comfortable with blood & trauma, but also working in a fast-paced environment.
How much do Xray techs get paid in New York? ›| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 years | $47.40 |
| 3 to 5 years | - |
| 6 to 9 years | $55.97 |
| More than 10 years | $61.48 |
How much does an x-ray tech make a year in New York? ›
$67,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $118,700 is the 75th percentile.
Do you need a license to be an xray tech in Florida? ›Florida certification is required of all Radiologic Technology professionals practicing in Florida. See s. 468.302, F.S., for further information. Persons with current ARRT licensure can apply for certification by endorsement in Florida as long as they meet all other requirements.
How long does it take to become a xray tech in Florida? ›Question: How long does it take to become an X-Ray Tech in Florida? Answer: According to the Florida Department of Health, obtaining an X-Ray technician's license requires certification through an exam and a degree from an accredited two year Radiologic Technology program such as those offered at FNU.
Do you need an X ray license in Florida? ›Before you can start bringing in the big bucks, you have to earn your Florida radiologic technology license. To administer ionizing radiation to humans in Florida, professionals do need a license. Curious about the types of radiology certificates you can pursue in Florida?
What is the highest paid travel xray tech? ›| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $149,500 | $12,458 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,500 | $9,875 |
| Average | $102,317 | $8,526 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,500 | $6,625 |
The average salary for a ct technologist in Florida is $63,000 per year.
How much does a registered respiratory therapist make in Florida? ›| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | $34.50 |
| 1 to 2 years | $34.18 |
| 3 to 5 years | - |
| 6 to 9 years | - |
Shamsheer Vayalil Parambath (born 11 January 1977) is an Indian radiologist and businessman. He is the Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings.
How much does an xray tech make in Alabama? ›The average salary for a x-ray technologist in Alabama is $46,000 per year.
What is the lowest paid radiologic technologist? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $139,050 and as low as $31,335, the majority of Radiology Technologist salaries currently range between $49,451 (25th percentile) to $77,848 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $106,246 annually in California.
What is the richest type of doctor? ›
1. How Much Do the Highest-Paid Doctors Make? The highest-paid doctors in the US are in surgical specialties such as plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, or cardiology and report earning over $500,000 per year on average.
What is the richest medical profession? ›It's a win-win if your healthcare career can enrich your patients' lives and your own. Anesthesiologists earn the highest salary of all jobs in the medical field.
Which doctors have highest salary? ›- Anaesthesiologist. ...
- Rheumatologist. ...
- Paediatrician. ...
- Ophthalmologist. ...
- Obstetrician and gynaecologist. ...
- Plastic surgeon. ...
- Emergency medicine physician. ...
- Psychiatrist. National average salary: ₹16,62,880 per year.
The average salary for a mri technologist in Alabama is $63,000 per year. Mri technologist salaries in Alabama can vary between $40,500 to $85,000 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more. Was this helpful?
Do you need math for radiology? ›There is a lot of mathematics associated with using x-rays for imaging. First of all there is the mathematics involved with the physics of x-rays. There are partial differential equations for describing electromagnetic wave propagation.
How much does an ultrasound tech make in Alabama? ›Ultrasound Technologist salaries in Alabama typically range between $37,000 and $102,000 a year. This compares to a national average ultrasound technologist salary of $61,928. The average hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Alabama is $29.77 per hour.
Are mri techs happy with their job? ›Do MRI technologists find their jobs meaningful? On average, MRI technologists rate the meaningfulness of their work a 2.6/5.
Which is better ultrasound or mri? ›An ultrasound exam offers the benefit of producing images quickly and in real time, so movement can easily be observed on ultrasound. MRI images can provide greater detail, but these images are time consuming to capture are typically static.
How much does an mri technician earn in the US per month? ›| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $156,000 | $13,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,500 | $11,541 |
| Average | $113,483 | $9,456 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,500 | $7,291 |
Radiology technologists are in short supply and their job is important.
How much does a xray tech make in Florida? ›
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $64,126 | $5,343 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,787 | $4,148 |
| Average | $40,216 | $3,351 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,058 | $2,754 |
The average radiology technician salary in Florida is $76,050 per year or $36.56 per hour. Entry level positions start at $56,160 per year while most experienced workers make up to $112,320 per year.