Salary/Employment Outlook
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $65,140 in May 2022. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,760, and the highest 10% earned more than $97,940. Overall employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
*Numbers taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A Career in Radiology
Here are examples of various career paths:
1. Diagnostic radiologic technologists operate X-ray equipment to create images of the body for diagnostic purposes, aiding physicians in diagnosing injuries and illnesses.
2. Cardiovascular-interventional technologists assist physicians during cardiac catheterization procedures and other minimally invasive cardiovascular interventions, helping diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions.
3. Mammographers specialize in performing mammograms—X-ray images of the breasts to screen for and diagnose breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.
4. Computed tomography (CT) technologists operate CT scanners to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, aiding in diagnosing medical conditions and guiding treatment plans.
5. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists use MRI scanners to produce detailed images of organs, tissues, and other structures within the body, assisting in diagnosing medical conditions without using radiation.
6. Nuclear medicine technologists administer radioactive drugs to patients and use specialized cameras to create images of the body's internal structures, helping physicians diagnose and treat various conditions, such as cancer and heart disease.
7. Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to patients with cancer, following precise treatment plans developed by radiation oncologists to target and destroy cancerous cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.