DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
29-2034 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Occupational Description:
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities. Excludes "Diagnostic Medical Sonographers" (29-2032) and "Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists" (29-2035).| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 4,690 | 582 | $33.58/hr | $0.40/hr | $25.07/hr | $28.18/hr | $33.23/hr | $38.67/hr | $44.97/hr |
| U S | 207,360 | 1,659 | $30.65/hr | $0.09/hr | $20.15/hr | $24.09/hr | $29.39/hr | $36.26/hr | $43.60/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2023 - 2025 | |
| Dental Assistants | 5,740 | $25.33/hr | 1.8% |
| Surgical Technologists | 2,460 | $29.09/hr | 3.5% |
| Respiratory Therapists | 1,840 | $33.86/hr | 4.7% |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | 1,420 | $31.60/hr | 3.4% |
| Medical Equipment Preparers | 1,310 | $21.97/hr | 2.8% |
| Radiation Therapists | 390 | $39.15/hr | 3.1% |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | 240 | $43.60/hr | 2.9% |
Tasks for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
- Operates or oversees operation of radiologic and magnetic imaging equipment to produce photographs of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Operates fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
- Administers oral or injected contrast media to patients.
- Positions imaging equipment and adjusts controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Monitors video display of area being scanned and adjusts density or contrast to improve picture quality.
- Positions and immobilizes patient on examining table.
- Explains procedures and observes patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Assigns duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
- Demonstrates new equipment, procedures, and techniques and provides technical assistance to staff.
- Develops departmental operating budget and coordinates purchase of supplies and equipment.
- Reviews and evaluates developed x-rays, video tape, or computer generated information for technical quality.
- Monitors use of radiation safety measures to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Keys commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
- Uses beam-restrictive devices and patient-shielding skills to minimize radiation exposure to patient and staff.
- Positions patient on examining table and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area requested by physician.
- Explains procedures to patient to reduce anxieties and obtain patient cooperation.
- Operates mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
- Moves x-ray equipment into position and adjusts controls to set exposure factors, such as time and distance.
