Technician Programs

X-ray Technicians

X-ray technicians, also called radiologists, are not only in high demand in most communities, but also highly paid relative to other allied-health professionals. Learn more about x-ray technician.

X-Ray Technician Salary Range
The lowest 5 percent of x-ray technicians earn less than $30,000 (on average), according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), while the highest 5 percent earn more than $90,000. The current median radiographer or radiology technician salary is $58,065, according to ASRT. Salary.com reports that the median radiology tech salary is $42,397.

Starting X-Ray Technician Salaries
The average starting x-ray technician salary (less than 2 years of experience), nationally, is $36,918, according to ASRT. Chief and senior technicians earn mean salaries of $42,768 and $48,331, respectively, reports ASRT, while program directors earn $64,290 on average.

Certification and X-Ray Technician Salaries
Certification or registration with the American Registry of Radiological Technologists and continuing education can increase your x-ray tech salary. The current average salary for an x-ray technician with a high-school diploma and certificate is $56,378.* The current mean salary for an x-ray tech with a bachelor degree is $63,028.*

Career Description
X-ray technicians (also known as radiographers and radiology technicians) use controlled radiation to produce black-and-white images of the body's anatomy. X-rays are often used to detect bone fractures, uncover foreign objects in the body, and analyze bone and soft tissue. Most x-ray technicians work in hospitals, physician offices, and diagnostic imaging centers.

X-ray technicians must have the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, operate radiological devices and obtain diagnostic images, analyze and interpret images with a physician, and provide oral or written summaries of findings. They also maintain radiologic facilities and supervise and/or collaborate with other medical staff.

Educational Requirements
The majority of x-ray technicians enter the field with a certificate or associate degree from a community or technical college, accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, qualifying them for certification by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and licensure in their state. Licensure is mandatory for radiologic technologists and technicians in 38 states.

ARRT certification is advisable even in states that do not require licensure. Many employers prefer ARRT-certified xray technicians.

Use our technician salary calculator to review x-ray technician salaries in your region.