Working as a Medical Radiation Technologist
Industry Overview
Industry sources report that there are currently shortages for medical radiation technologists throughout the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island.
The growing demand for health-care services will increase opportunities for medical radiation technologists. Population growth, an aging population, and technological advances in diagnosis and treatment are contributing to the demand for X-rays, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine tests and other diagnostic procedures.
Those seeking employment in hospital settings are advised that full-time positions are difficult to acquire when starting a career; however, there will be plenty of on-call and part-time opportunities.
Job Outlook in BC
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings in BC regions from 2021-2031
You can learn more about working in BC from the following sources:
Types of Employers
Medical radiation technologists are employed in hospitals, cancer treatment centres, clinics, radiological laboratories, research and education facilities, and in equipment sales and service and training.
Salary & Working Hours
In BC, the median annual salary for medical radiation technologists is $80,296.
Medical imaging techs can earn between $40,000 and $95,000 a year.
Nuclear medicine technologists can earn between $45,000 and $95,000 a year.
Radiation therapists can earn anywhere from can earn from $50,000 to around $100,000 a year.
In addition to their salaries, full-time employees usually receive benefits, including paid sick leave and vacation time, and dental coverage. Technicians often belong to unions. This means that their wage rate and benefits are negotiated on their behalf by union representatives.
Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising
In BC regions, medical radiation technologists can expect to make:
Source: Job Bank Wage Report
Working Hours
Medical radiation technologists typically work 37 to 40 hours per week. For those working in hospitals shift work, evenings and weekends is common. You can often expect to be on call in case of an emergency. Opportunities for part-time work are also available.
Source: WorkBC