Radiographers are technicians who specialize in using radiological equipment that utilizes ionizing radiation or what is more commonly known as X-rays. X-rays are used to create images of body parts that doctors use to help them diagnose medical problems and determine proper care for patients. Radiographers use their knowledge and skills to prepare patients for x-ray procedures, answer questions about the radiological examination, and properly position patients to get the desired X-ray image results.

Radiographer Salary Information:

A radiographer salary will vary depending on the location and employer. On average nationwide, the starting radiographer salary between $30,000 and $35,000 while starting salary for radiographers in large hospitals can earn closer to $40,000. As radiographers progress and become certified in specialty areas such as magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, computed tomography or CT, and other special procedures, they can earn up to $55,000. Radiographers, who pursue higher radiological positions which include positions such as administrator or director, can increase their radiographer salary significantly.

Beginning a career in the healthcare industry is a smart investment for someone looking to find a job that is recession-proof. The need for healthcare professionals will significantly increase over the next decade as the number of healthcare retirees increase. In addition, radiographers are used for positions outside of the healthcare industry such as manufacturing plants that use X-ray technology for non-destructive testing of their products. With as little as 1-2 years of education a new graduate can make a radiographer salary of $30,000 - $35,000 with a higher potential for those who pursue higher credentials. Although radiographers are used nationwide, there are areas that have an increased deficit of radiographers. Radiographers who are willing to relocate into these areas will have the best chance of job placement.

Radiographer Education Requirements:

Unlike doctors and nurses who require many years of secondary education to be certified to practice medicine, a radiographer could begin an entry level career in radiology with as little as 1-2 years of training earning him or her a certificate or diploma. A certificate program is designed to give a student the basic knowledge on patient care, radiological equipment, and image processing. This basic knowledge will allow him or her to begin working in the radiology field and expanding his or her education through training provided by the employer. A certificate program is a perfect choice for someone who has no interest in pursuing a degree from a college or university.

For students who want to pursue a degree from a college or university, they can find both Associate’s and Bachelor degree programs in radiology. Degree programs build on the basic knowledge that a certificate program provides and offers students a more in-depth view into the radiology field delving more into theories and analysis related to the industry. In addition students will be required to participate in and receive clinical training in clinics or other healthcare facilities designed to prepare them for their careers.

Whether a student opts to complete a certificate or a degree program, he or she will be required to obtain licensing through the state where they will be serving as a radiographer. Licensing requirements will vary by state as the requirements are determined by state health boards and in almost every state, passing a licensing exam will be required. Students who have obtained professional certifications from the American Registration of Radiologic Technologists may be able to use their certifications in lieu of the state licensing exam to obtain their license.

Radiographer Work Environment:

The work environment that radiographers will be exposed to will generally depend on the type of facility they choose to work in. Nearly 75% of radiographers work in hospitals while the rest work in imaging centers, clinics, private practice physician offices, manufacturing plants, and research centers. For obvious reasons, a hospital can be increasingly high-paced as compared to work in smaller facilities such as clinics.  Mobile x-ray equipment allows radiographers to work in a number of areas in a hospital all at once such as patient’s bedside, operating rooms, and emergency rooms. Radiographers generally work 40-hour work weeks but sometimes may have to be on-call for evenings, nights, or weekends depending on the type of facility they work for.

Additional Resources:
Radiographer Job Description