Radiologic Technology Program
Career Brief
Radiologic Technologists:
- Provide patient care, explain medical procedures, and position patients for x-ray examinations
- Operate radiographic equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes
- Critique x-ray images to determine diagnostic quality and corrective measures
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff
Employment Outlook
Overall employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 15,700 openings for radiologic MRI technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
As the population grows and ages, there will be an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging. With age comes an increased incidence of illness and injury, which often requires diagnostic imaging for diagnosis. In addition to diagnosis, diagnostic imaging is used to monitor the progress of disease treatment. With the increasing success of medical technologies in treating disease, diagnostic imaging will increasingly be needed to monitor progress of treatment.
Although hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists, a number of new jobs will be found in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers. As technology advances many imaging modalities are becoming less expensive and more feasible to have in a physician’s office. With additional training, opportunities exist in various modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), sonography, radiation therapy, and angiography, as well as medical sales, management, and education. Technologists with multiple certifications will have the best job prospects.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2023
Pay:
- Varies by employer, location, part-time vs full-time, shift hours, etc...
- California hourly mean wage $47.79 (Salary Finder, CareerOneStop)
- National hourly mean wage $31.32 (Salary Finder, CareerOneStop)
- California mean full-time income - $99,390 (Salary Finder, CareerOneStop)
