The Job Market

Radiologic technologists are much in demand both in rural and urban areas. Positions are available in hospitals, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers and public health services. The demand for radiologic technologists is strong across the country, in every health care setting.

While other U.S. industries are suffering a downturn in employment, health professions such as radiologic technology are trying desperately to fill open positions. The New York Times reported that overall U.S. employment fell by more than 1 million jobs in 2001, but the health care industry added 200,000 jobs during the same time span. Health care is “the single strongest sector in the U.S. economy today,” the newspaper noted. “Even in a recession, people continue to need medical care.”

Although the strong health care market is good news for medical workers who are in high demand, it is bad news for employers who are struggling to find qualified personnel. More than 250,000 radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists, sonographers and radiation therapists work in the United States today, but thousands more are needed to keep up with the growing demand for their services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the radiologic sciences will need to recruit 55,000 more workers by 2008.

Income Potential

Median annual earnings of radiologic technologists and technicians were $43,350 in 2004, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,170 and $52,430. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,210. Radiographers employed in general medical and surgical hospitals earned $43,960 in 2004.

In their 2004 Wage and Salary Survey, the American Society of Radiologic Technicians found that radiologic technicians nationwide earn an average hourly wage of $24.16 and an annual salary of $65,401.

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