In the field of healthcare, radiology is essential in making an accurate diagnosis. The professionals who are able to both capture and interpret those results are often in high demand.
The skills are so valuable that radiology jobs have become some of the highest paying in the medical field. If you or someone you know are considering starting a career in radiology, knowing which jobs pay the most is a great way to plan a successful career path. In this post, we will explore five of the most high-paying radiology jobs that provide some of the most generous radiology salaries.
What Is Radiology?
This field focuses specifically on medical imaging. These images are used to help monitor, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of patients. Within the radiology field, there are several types of professionals ranging from sonographers and MRI technologists to radiographers and x-ray technicians. The field itself is very broad and allows a person to specialize in several areas at once. Some subspecialties include nuclear medicine, mammography, and interventional radiology.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
A nuclear medicine technologist will earn close to $90k per year on average. This specialty focuses on performing scans using special radioactive drugs. The specialist is tasked with safely handling, preparing, and administering the drug to the patients ahead of their test. They will also perform the imaging scans with a high level of precision. A nuclear medicine technologist will closely partner with a supervising physician as well as interact with the patients directly to explain the imaging procedure. The specialist is also tasked with the proper disposal of the radioactive drugs after each scan.
Ultra Sonographer
On average, ultrasonographers make just over $120k annually. Depending on when a person is employed, this rate can climb even higher. This specialty entails taking images of the inside of the patient’s body.
The most common type of patient is pregnant women; however, imaging the heart, cardiovascular system, and other areas is also common. There are many instances in which Ultrasonographers work with doctors to help with biopsies and also interact with patients directly to explain the procedures before they are performed.
CT Technologist
A computed tomography technologist will earn, on average, $110k per year. Some may earn less, and some may earn more. However, this specialization is among the highest paying. CT operation experts not only prepare the machine and the patient; they also handle the actual imaging. CT scans create highly detailed images of the internal structures of the body. A CT tech will generate these scans and the cross-sectional images of the patient for a medical diagnosis. In some cases, a contrast agent will need to be administered, which is also performed by the CT technologist.
Interventional Radiology Nurse
Interventional radiology nurses earn a handsome salary that averages out to $140k per year. Not only are most IR nurses good at money management, but they are also experts at patient management. This specialty focuses on caring for patients who are in need of radiological procedures. They work with radiographers and radiologists prior to the actual scans. These nurses are more than basic healthcare providers. They specialize in assessing the patient prior to a radiological investigation and will often be in charge of drawing blood and administering contrast perpetrations.
Radiologist
Radiologists are among the highest-paid professionals in the field. These doctors earn, on average, $450k per year, and often more. They are tasked with interpreting medical images and using them to diagnose, treat, and monitor patients and their conditions.
Radiology is a subspecialty that requires an intense level of work experience and extensive specialist training. Most often, radiologists will work with other specialists and nurses to help formulate interventions and patient care plans.
Make the Most of A Career in Radiology
For those interested in starting or furthering their career in the field of radiology, understanding the differences in specialties is critical. Nurses and medical doctors are able to easily enter this field, as well as those who undergo vocational training to become a technician. With the earnings potential being so high, there is no limit to the heights a person can reach in the radiology field.
