X-Ray Tech Salary by States in US: How to Become One and What are the Benefits

If you are interested in a career that combines medical science, technology, and patient care, you might want to consider becoming an x-ray technician. X-ray technicians, also known as radiologic technologists, are professionals who use specialized equipment to create images of the internal structures of the human body. These images are used by doctors and other health care providers to diagnose and treat various diseases and injuries.

X-ray technicians work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and private offices. They perform different types of imaging procedures, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and mammograms. They also prepare patients for the exams, position them correctly, operate the equipment, protect them from radiation exposure, and evaluate the quality of the images.

In this article, we will explore the salary, requirements, benefits, and challenges of being an x-ray technician in the US. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this career.

How much do x-ray technicians make in the US?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for x-ray technicians in the US was $63,710 in 2022. However, this salary can vary depending on several factors, such as the state, employer, experience, education, certification, and specialization of the technician.

The BLS also provides data on the average annual salaries for x-ray technicians by state. Here are the top 10 highest-paying states for this occupation in 2022:

• California: $95,170
• Hawaii: $84,100
• Massachusetts: $79,360
• District of Columbia: $79,320
• Oregon: $78,800
• Alaska: $78,610
• Washington: $77,810
• Nevada: $77,540
• Maryland: $76,820
• New York: $76,720

On the other hand, here are the 10 lowest-paying states for x-ray technicians in 2022:

• West Virginia: $48,760
• Arkansas: $49,970
• Mississippi: $50,770
• Alabama: $51,890
• Oklahoma: $52,460
• South Dakota: $53,410
• Louisiana: $53,510
• Tennessee: $54,620
• Kentucky: $55,100
• Kansas: $55,120

As you can see, there is a significant difference between the highest and lowest salaries for x-ray technicians across the states. Therefore, it is important to research the local market conditions and demand for this occupation before choosing where to work.

What are the requirements to become an x-ray technician in the US?

To become an x-ray technician in the US, you need to meet certain educational and licensing requirements. Here are the general steps to follow:

1. Complete a high school diploma or equivalent. You may also need to take some prerequisite courses in subjects such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, math, and physics.
2. Enroll in an accredited program that offers a certificate or an associate degree in radiologic technology. These programs typically take 1 to 2 years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical training. You can find a list of accredited programs on the website of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
3. Pass a national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This exam tests your knowledge and skills in various areas of radiologic technology. You need to score at least 75 out of 99 to pass. You also need to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education credits.
4. Obtain a state license or registration if required by your state. Some states require x-ray technicians to be licensed or registered by their state health department or board of radiologic technology. The requirements may vary by state but usually include passing an exam and paying a fee. You can check your state’s requirements on the website of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

What are the benefits of being an x-ray technician in the US?

Being an x-ray technician can offer several benefits for your personal and professional growth. Here are some of them:

• You can enjoy a rewarding career that helps people improve their health and well-being.
• You can work with cutting-edge technology and learn new skills and techniques.
• You can have a flexible schedule and choose from various work environments and settings.
• You can earn a competitive salary and enjoy good benefits such as health insurance, retirement plan, vacation time, and sick leave.
• You can have many opportunities for advancement and specialization in different areas of radiologic technology.

What are the challenges of being an x-ray technician in the US?

Being an x-ray technician can also pose some challenges and risks for your physical and mental health. Here are some of them:

• You may have to work long hours, weekends, nights, and holidays to meet the needs of patients and employers.
• You may have to deal with stressful situations, such as emergencies, trauma, and difficult patients.
• You may have to lift and move heavy equipment and patients, which can cause injuries and strain.
• You may have to wear protective gear and follow safety protocols to avoid exposure to radiation and infectious diseases.
• You may have to cope with emotional distress and burnout from seeing patients suffer and die.

How to become an x-ray technician in NY?

If you want to become an x-ray technician in NY, you need to follow the same general steps as in other states, but with some specific requirements for the state of NY. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Complete a high school diploma or equivalent. You may also need to take some prerequisite courses in subjects such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, math, and physics.
2. Enroll in an accredited program that offers a certificate or an associate degree in radiologic technology. These programs typically take 1 to 2 years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical training. You can find a list of accredited programs in NY on the website of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
3. Pass a national certification exam administered by the ARRT or a state exam administered by the NYSDOH. You need to score at least 75 out of 99 to pass either exam. You also need to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education credits.
4. Obtain a state license from the NYSDOH. To apply for a license, you need to submit an application form, a fee, a copy of your certification exam score report, and a copy of your program completion certificate. You also need to renew your license every two years by completing continuing education credits.

Most asked questions and answers about being an x-ray technician

Here are some of the most common questions and answers about being an x-ray technician:

Q: What is the difference between an x-ray technician and a radiologic technologist?

A: X-ray technician is a term that is sometimes used interchangeably with radiologic technologist, but it can also refer to someone who has less training and education than a radiologic technologist. X-ray technicians usually perform only basic x-ray procedures, while radiologic technologists can perform more advanced imaging modalities, such as CT, MRI, and mammography.

Q: What are some specialties or areas of focus for x-ray technicians?

A: X-ray technicians can specialize or focus on different areas of radiologic technology, such as:

• Bone densitometry: measuring bone density and diagnosing osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular-interventional radiography: performing imaging procedures for heart and blood vessel conditions
• Computed tomography: creating cross-sectional images of the body using x-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging: creating detailed images of the body using magnetic fields
• Mammography: performing imaging procedures for breast cancer screening and diagnosis
• Nuclear medicine: using radioactive substances to create images of the body’s functions
• Quality management: ensuring the quality and safety of imaging equipment and procedures
• Radiography: performing basic x-ray procedures for various body parts
• Sonography: creating images of the body using sound waves

Q: How long does it take to become an x-ray technician?

A: It usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete an accredited program that offers a certificate or an associate degree in radiologic technology. However, some programs may take longer or shorter depending on the curriculum, schedule, and pace of the students.

Q: How much does it cost to become an x-ray technician?

A: The cost of becoming an x-ray technician can vary depending on the type, length, and location of the program you choose. According to the College Board, the average tuition and fees for public two-year colleges in 2021-2022 was $3,770 per year for in-state students and $8,990 per year for out-of-state students. The average tuition and fees for private two-year colleges in 2021-2022 was $15,650 per year. These costs do not include other expenses such as books, supplies, transportation, and living expenses.

Q: What are some skills or qualities that x-ray technicians need?

A: X-ray technicians need various skills and qualities to perform their job effectively, such as:

• Technical skills: operating and maintaining imaging equipment and software
• Analytical skills: evaluating and interpreting images for quality and accuracy
• Communication skills: explaining procedures and results to patients and other health care providers
• Interpersonal skills: interacting with patients and other health care providers with respect and empathy
• Attention to detail: following safety protocols and instructions carefully
• Physical stamina: lifting and moving heavy equipment and patients.