Radiologic technologists are trained in diagnostic imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT Technologists), magnetic resonance imaging (MR technologists), and mammography. Usually the technologists work 40-hour weeks. An associate’s degree is the usually the basic educational requirement for this job. There are licensure requirements as well, these vary with the state. Students that have a good track record in math and the sciences since their high school days have a better chance of getting admitted to a good college and being picked with a better starting pay.

With voluntary certification offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), radiologic technologists can advance to becoming radiologist assistants. Supervisory and departmental administrative jobs come with experience. Hospitals, physicians’ offices, diagnostic imaging centers, and outpatient care centers are some of the places for employment, with hospitals accounting for more than 60% of the jobs. In terms of payment, medical and diagnostic labs offer the most attractive salary packages with median annual wages around $55.2K. Working with a private practice will yield you an average salary of around $42.7K. Hospitals are also counted as amongst the better paymasters because of the sophisticated imaging tools found in hospitals and the need for qualified technologists to handle these.

Computed Tomography is fast becoming the accepted method of diagnostic imaging and a preferred specialty to have. Radiologic technologists that are open to relocating boost their job prospects because of greater vacancies in certain regions and saturation in some. If you have the experience and credentials in more than one specialties, its boosts your standing in the job market. With experience, job titles such as therapeutical radiologic technologist, MRI technologist, radiology manager can fetch attractive average salaries.

So keep in mind the variables that can affect your average salary as a radiologic technologist and try to cover as many of these variables as you can. Incorporate higher education into your career plans and you will be rewarded with a satisfying career that has enough growth options.