X-ray technicians typically earn salaries of between $32,000 and $69,000 (US, 2007), depending on their qualifications and experience, as well as the type of facility in which they work. Radiological technicians, as defined here, are compensated within a somewhat higher range. Certification, even if not required by the state, will also affect overall compensation.

Experienced technologists in supervisory positions will extend the upper salary limits appreciably. However, anyone intending to advance to supervisory or teaching positions should plan to obtain at least a bachelors degree. A master’s degree in business or health administration will often be necessary for a director’s position.

At present, a 15% growth in these positions is predicted through 2016. In the foreseeable future, hospitals will remain the principal employers of x-ray and radiologic technicians. However, a large number of new jobs are expected to be created in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers because these health facilities are expected to grow significantly because of the shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by insurance companies, and technological advances permitting more procedures to be performed outside the hospital. X-ray or radiology technicians willing to relocate and are experienced in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure (CT, MR, mammography, etc.) will have the best employment opportunities as employers seek to control costs by using multi-credentialed employees.