Category: Radiology FAQs

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Radiology FAQs

Radiologist Salary: How Much Does a Radiologist Make?

Let’s be honest: one of the big factors that we consider in selecting a career or profession is the projected salary or earning potential in that particular industry or field.

We want to make sure that the career we invest our effort and education into is something that at least provides a return of the investment, and can provide us with our daily essentials and needs, allowing us to support our loved ones or family as well.

Medical science continues to be one of the more popular industries that people looking for careers are interested in.

After all, health care is always a need in society, and it provides steady and reliable employment for so many across different fields and areas of specialization.

Radiologist Salary: How Much Does a Radiologist Make?

Radiology, as one of the different branches of medical science, may be one of the areas of medical science that you are looking into. So what is the average salary for professionals who are employed in various jobs related to radiology?

On average, a radiologist’s annual salary is one of the highest among other medical professionals.

In the United States, the average radiologist’s salary is about $216,577 annually. Of course, various factors come into play, such as experience, geographic location, board certification, gender, and other variables.

Radiologists with less than 5 years of experience, for instance, average an annual salary of about $157,909, while those who have work experience of up to 12 years may be taking home up to $400,000 yearly.

Interventional vs. Non-Interventional

Now, there are also differences in the average salaries between interventional and non-interventional radiologists.

Non-interventional radiologists generally perform the examinations on patients, interpret results, and discuss findings and possible treatments or courses of action.

Interventional radiologists, on the other hand, not only interpret test findings but also perform minimally invasive procedures and treatments. Because the role of interventional radiologists is more complicated and with more responsibility, they earn, on average, more than their non-interventional counterparts.

According to a 2011 study conducted by the recruiting firm Profiles, interventional radiologists earned about $5,000 more than non-interventional radiologists in their first year of practice. Meanwhile, according to a salary survey by American Medical Group Association, overall median income for interventional radiologists stood at $478,000 yearly compared to $454,205.

Salaries Can Vary By State

Where you eventually practice is a major factor in your average salary as a radiologist. In some states, the median salary for radiologists is much higher, due to different variables such as demand and state requirements for practice.

As of 2013, here are some of the figures for average radiologist salaries in certain states:

  • California – $190,000 annually
  • Georgia – $189,000 annually
  • Massachusetts – $198,000 annually
  • Mississippi – $202,000 annually
  • New York – $203,000 annually
  • Washington – $197,000 annually

With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting that the employment growth for physicians and surgeons up to 2020 will increase by 24 percent, the radiology career would seem to be a wise choice if you are in the middle of selection.

In particular, radiologists will continue to be highly sought-after as an aging population requires diagnosis and treatment of age-related illnesses and other conditions.

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Radiology FAQs

Radiologist vs. Radiology Technician: What’s the Difference?

Perhaps you have noticed that there are several titles or job descriptions that are related to radiology, and you are curious to know what the differences are.

If you have had to have an X-ray, CT or MRI scan before, it is possible that you have noticed how there are radiologists and radiology technicians who work in hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities, and they seem to have different job descriptions of their own.

While both are considered as health care professionals, working side-by-side in hospitals and other medical and healthcare facilities, and dealing with much of the same aspects of radiology and its purpose of diagnosing and combating illnesses, radiologists and radiology technicians differ based on their level of training, experience, and duties.

What Do Radiology Technicians Do?

Radiologist vs. Radiology Technician: What’s the Difference?Radiology technicians specialize in handling the equipment and in conducting the various imaging tests such as ultrasounds, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.

Generally, radiology technicians focus on specializing in one type of procedure, but it is more advantageous to aim for certification in more than one procedure so the radiology technician can perform several.

If you walk into a clinic or hospital, the radiology technician would be the one to assist you with the procedure based on the doctor’s instructions and the patient’s needs.

The radiology technician is also responsible for making sure that the patient is properly shielded and prepped for the examination. Most importantly, the radiology technician must operate the equipment correctly, aligning and adjusting the imaging equipment appropriately and assisting the doctors or radiologists with the test results.

What Do Radiologists Do?

On the other hand, the radiologist is trained for more advanced responsibilities such as using radiation equipment for treating illnesses, and analyzing results and discussing them with the patient in order to come up with the best possible solution.

They have a higher level of understanding of the medical imaging procedures and test results, so they are expected to fully interpret and discuss them with patients. While in smaller clinics or facilities, the radiologist may also be the one to handle the examination itself, in larger facilities it is usually the radiology technician’s duty to carry out the examination, while the radiologist handles the results.

Education and Training: More Required for Radiologists

Radiology technicians can usually complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to prepare for the job, and be able to earn a state license (requirements vary by state) as well as pass a comprehensive examination.

Many vocational schools or community colleges have fast-track courses and programs for radiology technicians, averaging about two years of schooling.

Radiologists, on the other hand, go through a much longer process of acquiring an undergraduate and graduate degree, completing internship and residency, before being able to practice as full-fledged radiologists.

Aspiring radiologists are looking at an average of 10 years of training.

Salary Comparison: Radiologists Earn More

Of course, the hard work does pay off in the end.

On the average, radiologists have an annual salary of around $356,885 yearly, while radiology technicians average $54,340 yearly.

That said, job growth prospects for both radiology technicians and radiologists are expected to continue to grow yearly, with the demand projected to increase to 28 percent by the year 2020.

Want to learn more about Radiologists and Radiology Technicians?

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Radiology FAQs

Radiology Training FAQs

Radiology is a viable career path for you to consider especially if you are interested in medical science and its various facets. Many exciting developments are and innovations are constantly being introduced in the field of radiology and imaging treatment, all geared towards earlier, better diagnosis and treatments of various illnesses and conditions.

The increase in applications and programs related to radiology has also caused a shortage in radiologists, so this field is one where you can find a placement if you are qualified.

As with most anything in life, people usually have a lot of queries regarding radiology and if it is the right career decision for them to make.

It is normal to have questions about anything you are thinking of embarking on. In fact, it is recommended that you do ask questions and find out as much as you can about radiology before you make the final call on whether this is something you are ready to commit to. The following are some common questions related to radiology training that people ask:

  • What types of Radiology Degree Programs are available?

Radiology Training - How to Become A Radiologist

There are different choices of degree programs depending on what you plan to do in the future as a radiologist. For instance, a technologist would require an associate’s degree in order to learn the technical proficiency skills.

If you are planning on becoming a full-fledged radiologist or physician, however, a bachelor’s degree is a must as it walks you through the foundational concepts, while a radiology doctorate degree gives you the training and experience needed in the use of imaging technologies.

You may also be curious about the different areas of specialization within radiology, and there are several to choose from as well.

Radiography, used in creating medical images used in computer tomography, magnetic resonance, mammography, or cardiovascular technology, is one of the more common imaging modalities. Ultrasound or sonography uses sound waves to reproduce images from inside the body. Meanwhile, nuclear medicine makes use of radioactive materials to emit radiation and illuminate body parts.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another popular imaging technology; it combines radio frequencies and magnetic fields to produce images of body tissues and organs. The CT scan or Computed Tomography is another form of X-ray scanning, but it takes images from different angles, joining larger organs and tissues for a more detailed, thorough analysis.

Ultimately, the area you specialize in would be determined by your personal interest and skills. As you learn the differences between the different areas, you can have a better understanding and see which one fits you best.

  • How long does it take to get a Radiology Degree?

To become a radiologist, you have to be ready to sign up for a few years of studying and internship.

The undergraduate education would run about four years, after which you will need to get your medical degree (another four years of medical school), a year of internship, four years of residency, and the usual specialty fellowship training for an area of specialization. To become a full-fledged radiologist, you are looking at at least 10-12 years of training.

  • How much does a Radiology Degree cost?

The cost of getting a radiology degree would depend on where you will go to school, as well as all the other related expenses.

For students who attend a university and live on-campus, the average cost would be around $14,000 annually, and about half that cost if you decide to stay at home. Of course, the investment will come back as you complete your degree and begin to make an average of $50,000 annually. Another option you might be interested in is online classes.

  • What Type of Training is Available Online?

There are online providers and academic institutions that offer online learning programs and classes related to radiology. For the most part, educational institutions make the general education courses and programs available online for students.

Most degree programs by traditional institutions are still on-site, however. Online radiology schools offering degrees and programs via Web-based learning are growing at a fast rate.

  • What is Initial Certification?

Initial certification refers to the first important certification in a radiology candidate’s life.

The American Board of Radiology (ABR) officially defines initial certification as certification “for candidates who are not yet certified in diagnostic radiology, any of its subspecialties (neuroradiology, nuclear radiology, pediatric radiology, and vascular and interventional radiology), radiation oncology, or medical physics.”

To qualify for initial certification, the candidate needs to successfully meet requirements in basic education and exams.  Initial certification is very important as you look for employment, because most employers will ask for this.