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How much does a Radiation Tech make? The median annual salary for a Radiation Tech was $80,370 in 2016, with a range usually between $74,290-$86,650.
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Introduction
Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments. They work closely with oncologists, following treatment plans prescribed by the doctor, and use precise imaging to target the radiation to specific areas in the patient’s body. Most radiation therapists work full time, and some work evening and weekend hours.
Radiation therapists typically need at least an associate degree from an accredited program before they can be licensed or certified to practice. Many programs include clinical experience in addition to classroom instruction. Some States have licensure requirements for radiation therapists.
What Does a Radiation Tech Do?
Radiation techs are responsible for using x-ray and other imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat patients. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic imaging centers. Some radiation techs may also specialize in treating cancer patients with radiation therapy.
Salaries for radiation techs can vary depending on experience, location, and type of employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for all diagnostic medical sonographers and medical technicians was $74,570 per year in 2019. However, salaries for radiation techs specifically ranged from $52,190 to $101,600 per year that same year. The BLS also projects a 7% job growth rate for all diagnostic medical sonographers and medical technicians from 2019 to 2029.
How Much Does a Radiation Tech Make?
A Radiation Technician is a medical professional who uses imaging machines to help diagnose and treat patients. The tech is responsible for positioning patients and the machines, as well as ensuring the equipment is working properly. Radiation techs typically work in hospitals or clinics, and their hours vary. So, how much does a radiation tech make?
National Average Salary
The national average salary for a Radiation Tech is $57,430 in United States.Filter by location to see Radiation Tech salaries in your area. Salary estimates are based on 1,089 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Radiation Tech employees.
Salary by State
The median annual wage for medical and health services managers was $98,350 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $182,610.
Most medical and health services managers work full time. Because medical and health services managers often must be available to answer questions and address issues outside of normal work hours, they may work more than 40 hours per week.
Salary by City
San Francisco, CA
$85,272
Oakland, CA
$84,266
San Jose, CA
$92,795
Los Angeles, CA
$79,191
Sacramento, CA
$74,766
How to Become a Radiation Tech
Radiation technologists, also known as radiographers, are medical professionals who use imaging technology to support the work of doctors and surgeons. Their work is essential in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses.
Radiation technologists usually need at least an associate degree in radiation therapy from an accredited program. Some states require licensure or certification, and some employers prefer applicants who are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Continuing education is important for radiation technologists to keep up with new technology and maintain their skills. Many states require licensed technologists to complete continuing education credits to renew their license. The ARRT also offers voluntary certification in specialty areas, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Most radiation technologists work full time, and some positions may require evening or weekend hours. They typically work in hospitals, but may also work in outpatient centers, medical offices, or private diagnostic imaging practices.
Job Outlook
The average salary for a Radiation Therapist is $85,571 per year in the United States. However, there is a wide range in salaries, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $60,000 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $110,000. The median salary for this occupation is $80,000.
Conclusion
Radiation therapists can expect to earn a median salary of $80,000 per year. The top earners in the field make over $100,000 per year, while the bottom earners make less than $60,000 per year. With experience and additional training, radiation therapists can expect to see their salaries increase.
