Radiology Technician Salary in Massachusetts

A radiology technician is someone who is trained to operate a diagnostic tools that take internal images of the body. This special medical equipment is designed to detect broken bones, lung problems and tumors. It is very important that a radiographer or x-ray technician produce precise images because these are used in diagnosing possible illnesses and diseases. Radiology techs play a very vital role in the health care industry. Massachusetts is just one of the many states in the country that employs a large number of radiology technicians. The state of MA has shown over the years to provide great compensation for its radiographers. As a result, the position of a radiology technician is one of the most sought after technical health careers in the state. To be able to apply for a job as a radiographer tech, one must complete an accredited program at any college or technical institute in the state. Employers will need proof of certification or a license.

The radiology technician salary in Massachusetts is determined by a lot of factors. The average annual wage as of 2009 is $65,000. This means that employers pay their radiographers around $32.95 an hour. If one does a comparison, then one can take note that the rate in this state is indeed higher than that of the national rate which is $54,180. So there is a $10,820 difference between the two figures. As mentioned earlier, individuals who are employed in this area are paid better than their peers who work in other states. To illustrate further, we can do a comparison between the rate of West Virginia and Massachusetts. The former has an average annual rate of $41,400 which is $19.91 per hour. Looking at the figures, one can come to the conclusion that radiographers in the state of Massachusetts really do have a higher pay check.

Based on the survey conducted by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Massachusetts has around 400 established hospitals and health care centers. This is why they are very abundant in job opportunities in the medical industry. The Bureau even predicted that there will be a 20 percent growth in the employment rate for this profession in the coming years. This is great news for those who are aspiring to be a radiographer or x-ray technician. Not only do they have a big chance of getting a job, but they are also assured to enjoy a fat pay check. In addition, they can pursue a specialization in the field of radiology to increase their salary. If one acquires a certificate in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or nuclear imaging, then one can land a better job offer and receive a higher wage. Although an associate’s degree would suffice in this career, a four year bachelor’s degree is much preferred by employers. Those who have completed such training can climb faster on the hierarchy ladder as well. Lastly, the state requires their radiology technicians to pass the examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Society of Clinical Pathologists and other certification boards recognized by the state.

Individuals who want to be radiology technicians can enroll in a technical school in Massachusetts. There are many accredited institutes in this state that offers radiology programs and specializations as well. To name a few of the most popular schools, the list includes Lawrence Memorial/Regis College Medical Radiography Program, Allied Health Science, University of Massachusetts Medical Center and Salem State College. Students can also finish the training programs offered by North Shore, Springfield Technical, etc. The programs offered in these schools usually last for around two years. The program course includes various subjects such as anatomy, radiation physics and radiobiology. Almost all of the schools have financial aids for their students and they also make it a point to assist their students in preparing for the certification exam. After passing the exam, they can apply for their license by submitting a notarized copy of the testing certification along with a license application form and $75 application fee. All forms are processed by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Department of Public Health’s Radiation Control Program.