X-ray technologists are in demand in various healthcare work settings including hospitals, medical practices, dental clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. X-ray technologists work with X-ray equipment to produce images of various body parts which are then screened for diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses. They also have to explain the X-ray procedures to patients and prepare them for it. With experience, one can graduate to supervisory and mentoring roles. Bachelor-level programs help in getting administrative positions.

X-ray technologists work in a team and report to a radiologist. The average salary is dependent upon a number of factors such as employer type and size, city, specialization, and experience. Private practices and diagnostic imaging centers pay more than what hospitals do; workplaces that have to manage and maintain advanced X-ray equipment need qualified technologists and are willing to pay for them. You can expect a salary of about $52K with work experience of less than four years and a package in the early sixties by the time you are nearing nine years. Experience, therefore, does carry weight when considering salaries for X-ray technicians. The hourly rate that a beginner technologist can charge is around $20, with experience of around a decade and more you can hope to charge $30 per hour.

X-ray technologists can work in specialized settings as EEG technicians, ultrasound technologists, cardiopulmonary technologist, respiratory therapist, etc. Starting salaries vary with specialization. Job prospects for X-ray technologists are bright because of increase in outpatient care and increased dependence of radiology for diagnostic purposes. Cities with a higher cost of living offer higher average salaries. Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, are some of the cities that pay well whereas a job in Indianapolis or Miami will net you slightly lower salaries.