Medical Technology is one of the most popular career choices currently in demand. These jobs come with many responsibilities and equally hefty compensation, so here is everything you need to know about the various medical technologist salary and the top 5 med tech jobs that offer the most lucrative packages & benefits!
In the ongoing med tech job market, positions like surgical tech, X-ray tech, and MRI tech are highly sought after; thus, establishing a career in this field could provide long-lasting benefits.
Since this could be hard to believe, here is an overview of the top salary comparison for medical technology positions in the USA.
Medical Technologist Salary Overview
According to well-known sources such as salary.com and indeed.com, the average salary for different medical technologists is as follows:
| Position | Average Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist | $86,051 per year |
| Sonographer | $81,500 per year |
| MRI Technologist | $76,121 per year |
| Clinical Laboratory Scientist | $71,426 per year |
| Medical Laboratory Technologist | $67,071 per year |
| Medical Laboratory Technician | $58,098 per year |
| Surgical Technician | $51,200 per year |
| Medical Records Specialist | $40,253 per year |
| Medical Assistant | $39,416 per year |
| Vet Technologist | $38,774 per year |
The above table helps you understand the career landscape of a medical technologist and how much you can expect to earn once you start your journey in this field.
Now, we will dive deeper into med tech and discuss in detail each of the above job positions, the job responsibilities, and every other related information.
Here’s The Top 5 Medical Technologist Salary
So, let us begin our list of the top 5 medical technologist jobs and salaries, including the median and entry-level salaries, to help you gauge the next steps in your career.
1. Radiologic Technologist
A Radiologic Technologist, also known as Rad Tech, is by far the most lucrative career option in medical technology. Radiological equipment such as X-rays and their reports are reviewed and handled by radiologic technologists.
Imaging tools play a crucial role in healthcare, and radiologic technologists are at the forefront of this field. From minor fractures to severe tumors, all kinds of diagnoses are done with the assistance of radiologic technologists. So, now comes the big question: what is the xray tech salary?
Salary:
On average, a Radiological Technologist makes around $86,051 per year. At an entry-level, or the bottom 10% of the rad tech salary, it is around $54,299 per year, and the top 10% usually earn in the six figures annually.
Qualifications:
To begin a career as a radiological technologist, a 2-year radiologic technology program is mandatory for any aspiring rad tech. To begin practicing as a radiological technologist, one must also qualify for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) radiography exam.
2. Sonographer
A Medical Sonographer is a dream job for many med-tech aspirants. They are in charge of handling medical equipment that deals with sound waves and sound imaging. These kinds of bio-imaging are termed Ultrasounds, and Sonographers are responsible for conducting these diagnoses.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers play a crucial role in modern healthcare, commonly associated with pregnancy and in cases of other organ-imaging such as heart, liver, etc. Now, let us get into the topic of an ultrasound tech salary and how much they can expect to earn.
Salary:
On average, a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer makes around $81,500 per year. At an entry-level, or the bottom 10% of the ultrasound tech salary, it is around $62,204 per year, and the top 10% usually earn in the six figures annually at around $100,413 per year.
Qualifications:
An Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Sciences is necessary to start as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Apart from that, to begin practicing as a radiological technologist, one must have a credible certificate in diagnostic medical sonography from a reputable source.
3. MRI Technologist
MRI Technologists, also known as Magnetic resonance imaging technologists, are trained to use an MRI machine to capture body-imaging of patients to help diagnose ailments. For most critical internal conditions, from cancers and tumors to infections and even brain activities, MRI is essential in each of those situations.
The demanding nature of their job and the skillset required to be an MRI Technologist make this a highly sought-after position in every medical clinic and institution. The MRI machine is one of the most expensive pieces of medical equipment, and the MRI tech salary reflects that fact.
Salary:
On average, an MRI Technologist makes around $76,121 per year. At an entry-level, or the bottom 10% of the MRI tech salary, it is around $51,821 per year, and the top 10% usually earn nearly six figures annually at around $96,271 per year.
Qualifications:
A degree like an Associate of Science in MRI Technology is commonly required to start as an MRI Technologist at any medical institution. Some selective programs mandate a Bachelor’s degree to participate as MRI Technicians. Apart from that, one must have a credible license or certificate in MRI Technology from a reputable institution to begin practicing as an MRI Tech.
4. Surgical Technician
Surgical Technicians, commonly referred to as Surgical tech, is one of the most critical positions among all the technological jobs in healthcare. They are not only inside the Operation Theatre with surgeons and nurses to assist them but also responsible for the proper sterilization of medical equipment, surgical tools, and patient preparation.
As challenging as it may sound, Surgical Technologists are paid reasonably well to compensate for the demanding nature of their job. Now, you may be curious about the surgical tech salary and how much they make annually.
Salary
On average, in 2023, a Surgical Technician makes around $51,200 per year. At an entry-level, or the bottom 10% of the MRI tech salary, it is around $41,266 per year, and the top 10% usually earn around $61,516 per year.
Qualifications
The qualifications required to be a Surgical Tech are also strict since an associate degree and a surgical technologist training program are compulsory. To become one of the top surgical techs, one must also have a credible certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
5. Veterinary Technician
Vet Techs or Veterinary Technicians is the dream job for animal lovers. They are responsible for conducting the initial examination of animals, taking vitals, and sometimes even providing first aid. Animal hospitals, shelters, and veterinary clinics have an unending demand for competent veterinary technicians.
This job is mentally and physically taxing, so the vet tech salary is constructed reasonably to compensate for all the downsides. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Vet Techs can find employment comfortably with a reasonable salary, as discussed below.
Salary:
In 2023, an average Veterinary Technician makes around $38,774 per year. At an entry level, or the bottom 10% of the Vet tech salary, it is around $27,041 per year, and the top 10% usually earn around $52,721 per year.
Qualifications:
An Associate or Bachelor’s degree is necessary to start as a veterinary technician. Apart from that, one must also have a credible certificate from a CVTEA-accredited program to begin practicing as a veterinary technologist.
What is the best Degree to Pursue Medical Technology?
Selecting the right educational path is crucial before becoming a medical technologist. So, here are some of the best degrees for aspiring medical technologists:
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS): This degree is specifically for those aiming to become medical laboratory technologists. It covers essential topics for medical technologists and prepares them appropriately for the journey ahead.
- Bachelor of Science in Biology: A Bachelor’s degree in biology provides a solid foundation for various medical technology careers. Graduates can explore opportunities as medical technicians or pursue further education in specialized fields.
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: This degree delves into the intersection of biology and medicine, making it an ideal choice for those interested in the diagnostic aspect of medical technology. Graduates can find roles as medical laboratory scientists, analyzing patient samples and contributing to disease diagnosis.
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science: Similar to MLS, this degree program focuses on the practical aspects of laboratory testing and analysis. It equips students with the skills to work in clinical laboratories and contribute to patient care.
When choosing a degree for your medical technology career, you should first consider your interests, career goals, and the specific area of medical technology that intrigues you the most before choosing the degree.
Closing Remarks
As we conclude our list of the top-paying medical technologist salary and jobs in 2023, one thing becomes clear: the healthcare industry offers boundless opportunities for those with a passion for science and a commitment to patient care.
Also, if you’re passionate about technology and are considering it as your career path, GameGeekFusion.com is your go-to source for staying updated on the top-paying jobs and salary trends in 2023.
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