Although it's a specialized field in the healthcare industry, mammography is the targeted application of low-radiation X-ray photography. Because of this, mammography technicians are primarily trained and licensed as radiologists. Mammography technologists must be familiar with radiology techniques as well as the operational processes and routine maintenance of mammography equipment and development of X-ray photographs.
Average Salary
Mammography technicians earn a median annual salary of $60,688 as of January 2011, according to Salary.com. The 50 percent of all mammography technologists whose income centers on the median income earn between $55,671 and $65,960 each year, although those with earning above the 90th percentile receive $70,761 or more annually. Technologists employed in these positions have at least one year of radiology experience and a radiologist's license in addition to a certification in diagnostic mammography.
Salaries Around the Country
Mammography technologists' salaries in most major cities are close to the national average, although those in Boston earn much higher than standard wages for the profession, with an average annual salary of $82,311 as of January 2011, according to Salary Expert. Of the ten cities Salary Expert surveyed, seven reported average annual salaries between $58,124 and $65,733. Only the mammography technologists in Orlando, Florida, earned significantly less than the average national wage, $48,946.
Comparison to General Radiology Technologist Salaries
Because mammography technologists must receive additional training and certifications to practice in their specialty, they earn higher salaries than most other radiology technologists. The average annual salary for radiology technologists and technicians in all specialties is $52,210 as of May 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Mammography specialists earn average salaries that 121 percent of the prevailing wages for all generalized and specialist radiologists.
Certification
To work as a mammographic technologist, workers must possess two levels of certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians. Initially, a student must obtain primary certification in radiology from the AART. Upon completing primary certification, applicants must clear a post-primary examination that focuses specifically on mammography. In addition to AART certification, most states require mammography technologists to be licensed as radiologists by a state agency.
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