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Pay Up! D:ACH's First Annual Salary
Report
Who
makes more: MRI techs or respiratory therapists? Thought about becoming
a cardio-pulmonary perfusionist? You might after checking Diversity:
Allied Health Career's First Annual Salary Report!
By
Celia Colista
Whether you're studying to become an allied health care professional,
already working within the field or just thinking about the possibility
of a career in health care Diversity: Allied Health Career's First
Annual Salary Report will be an invaluable resource. You can find
out how your salary matches up with your peers, or discover what
sort of pay you can expect upon graduation. Readers just learning
about career options in allied health will be able to find out how
much education and experience is required for various professions
within the field.
Maybe you'll discover your employer is more generous than you thought or
maybe this report will remind you that it's about time for your
annual review. Whatever the case, in light of the current dearth
of health care employees, now is a great time to work in the allied
health field. And don't forget to check back next year who knows
what sort of changes will have taken place in the field by then?
Maybe next year you'll be getting paid a Julia Roberts-size paycheck.
It's ok to dream.
While perusing this report, keep in mind that the scope of allied
health care occupations is extremely broad, offering plenty of opportunities
that require varied levels of education and skill. A quick scan
of the job titles and salary ranges on the following pages shows
a wide range of salaries, even within one field. The salary estimates
include a median base salary and a range below and above the median,
which reflects what 50% of the people in that occupation earn. It
does not include, however, the extremes such as higher salaries
that might be offered at large hospitals in major cities.
Because of high demand and low supply within many allied health
occupations a trend that is expected to continue for years to come salaries
should continue to increase at rates well above the national average
for all workers. Signing bonuses, enhanced benefits and other "perks" are now being offered by many health care employers to entice candidates
to hard-to-fill positions. Because needs are so high within some disciplines, stories about "wage wars" between employers
are starting to surface.
Compensation competition within the health care industry has not
reached the fierce level that the information technology sector
experienced in the 1990s, but don't be surprised if you start hearing some amazing stories about what employers are
offering. Just make sure to separate fact from fiction. Making a
salary demand to an employer based on unsubstantiated information
is never a wise career move.
Due to space limitations, this report is not intended to provide
comprehensive salary data on all allied health disciplines. Salary
information and job descriptions are based on reports provided by
Salary.com. More specific information, such as salaries in certain
cities, is available at www.salary.com.
Anesthesia Technician
median: $25,370
range: $22,200 to $29,192
Assists anesthesiologist by setting up equipment and preparing medications. Orders, stocks, tests and maintains anesthesia supplies,
medications and equipment. Washes and sterilizes reusable equipment
and reports malfunctioning equipment to appropriate personnel. May
require an associate's degree or its equivalent with two to four years
of experience in the field or in a related area. May also be required
to complete anesthesia technician trainee program. Works under general
supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Biomedical Engineering Technician
median: $38,733
range: $35,320 to $42,587
Assembles, maintains and repairs various medical equipment. Tests
the functionality of equipment and takes accuracy, sensitivity and
selectivity measurements. Assists medical staff in operation of equipment.
May require an associate's degree in biomedical engineering or electronic
engineering with two to four years of experience in the field or in
a related area. Works under general supervision. Typically reports
to a supervisor or manager.
Cardiac Technician
median: $29,306
range: $24,665 to $36,472
Operates heart/lung machines and related laboratory apparatus as well
as physiological pressure monitoring systems. Prepares written documentation,
as required by the profession and the department, regarding individualized
treatment plans, evaluation results and progress reports. May require
an associate's degree or its equivalent with two to four years of
experience in the field or in a related area. Also may require completion
of a certificate in health technology or scientific instrumentation
in electrocardiography. Works under general supervision. Typically
reports to a supervisor or manager.
Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusionist
median: $86,935
range: $76,811 to $95,810
Sets up and operates heart/lung machines to take on the functions
of patient's organs while in surgery. Operates equipment to produce
bypass, coronary perfusion, recirculation or partial bypass or to
alter blood temperature, balance or content. May require an associate's
degree or its equivalent with two to four years of experience in the
field or in a related area. In addition, a Certified Clinical Perfusionist
(CCP) credential is required. Works under general supervision. Typically
reports to a supervisor or manager.
CAT Scan Technologist
median: $43,630
range: $40,450 to $47,331
Obtains patient history, explains standard procedures and addresses
patient concerns. Produces computerized tomographic scanner radiographs
of specific areas as required by the departmental procedures. Performs
obstetric and gynecological scans, ultrasound techniques and examinations,
abdominal scans, retroperitoneal scans and radiation therapy localization.
Typically requires a high school diploma, completion of radiologic
technology training, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
(ARRT) registration and two to four years of experience. Works under
general supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician
median: $34,248
range: $31,547 to $37,310
Assists respiratory therapist in providing respiratory therapy to
patients in accordance with professional standards and practices.
Performs a variety of tasks involving set-up, operation, cleaning,
sterilization and storing of respiratory therapy equipment. Changes
nebulizers and humidifiers on nursing wards and resets oxygen flow
as directed by physician. Operates sterilizers and aeration chambers,
performs cold sterilization methods, and arranges for cleaning and
sterilization of respiratory therapy equipment. Requires a high school
diploma or its equivalent, completion of national and state certification
and two to four years of related experience. Works under general supervision.
Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Cytogenetic Technologist
median: $41,779
range: $37,189 to $48,524
Performs microscopic analysis for cytogenetic studies on biological
specimens from cell cultures. Studies include hematological disorders,
fertility problems, chromosome analyses for prenatal diagnosis and
congenital birth defects. Responsibilities include slide preparation,
photomicroscopy, microscopy, computer image analysis, karyotyping,
culturing and harvesting procedures and result reporting. May require
a bachelor's degree and one to three years of experience in the field
or in a related area. Works under general supervision. Typically reports
to a supervisor or manager.
Dental Hygienist
median: $45,384
range: $38,880 to $52,359
Under the direct supervision of a dentist. Cleans calcareous deposits,
accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums using
dental instruments. Feels lymph nodes under patient's chin to detect
swelling or tenderness that could indicate presence of oral cancer.
Feels and visually examines gums for sores and signs of disease. May
provide clinical services and health education to improve and maintain
oral health of school children. May conduct dental health clinics
for community groups to augment services of dentist. May require an
associate's degree or its equivalent and two to four years of experience.
Must be licensed as a dental hygienist.
Dental Laboratory Technician
median: $27,914
range: $25,652 to $32,844
Assists dentist in filling prescriptions. Creates molds and impressions
to develop individual dental devices. Requires a high school diploma
or its equivalent and zero to two years of experience in a related
field. Typically reports to supervisor or manager.
Echocardiograph Technician
median: $45,269
range: $40,781 to $50,429
Performs echocardiograms in accordance with established practices
and procedures. Provides preliminary diagnostic evaluation and notifies
cardiologists of results of examinations. Consults with cardiologist
to establish requirements for non-standard examinations and determines
technical factors to satisfy requirements. May require an associate's
degree, passing the Echocardiography Registry Exam and two to four
years of experience. Works under general supervision. Typically reports
to a supervisor or manager.
EKG Technician
median: $25,335
range: $22,062 to $29,831
Performs electrocardiographs according to established policies and
procedures. Requires a high school diploma. Must be a graduate of
an accredited EKG program with zero to two years of clinical experience.
Typically reports to a registered nurse.
Emergency Medical Technician
median: $28,445
range: $23,589 to $35,502
Provides first aid care to patients who are either ill and/or injured.
Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and zero to two years
of experience in a related field. May be expected to meet certain
state certifications and be CPR certified. Typically reports to supervisor
or manager.
Head of Laboratory Services
median: $85,838
range: $75,275 to $95,171
Directs, establishes and plans the overall policies and goals for
a hospital's laboratory services. Requires a master's degree in a
related area and at least 10 years of experience in the field. Generally
manages a group of nonexempt and exempt employees. Typically reports
to an executive.
Histology Technician
median: $36,914
range: $32,603 to $40,544
Prepares tissue specimens for routine and special procedures to
confirm a patient diagnosis. Performs complex histological procedures,
records and analyzes data, maintains and repairs instruments. May
require an associate's degree or its equivalent with two to four years
of experience in the field or in a related area. Must also be certified
as a Histotechnician HT (ASCP). Works under general supervision. Typically
reports to a supervisor or manager.
Infection Control Coordinator
median: $54,213
range: $49,683 to $58,834
Monitors and investigates known or suspected sources of infections
in order to determine the source and ensure control. Reviews sterilization
and disinfection techniques and recommends changes as needed. Provides
related education to staff. Prepares simple cultures as needed for
environmental and individual studies. May require a bachelor's degree
and at least five years of experience in the field or in a related
area. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish
goals. May lead and direct the work of others. Typically reports
to a manager or head of a unit/department.
Laboratory Information Systems Coordinator
median: $50,736
range: $45,117 to $56,999
On a continual basis, develops the scope, the plan and the benefits
of projects related to laboratory information systems. Maintains
project documentation by formulating and implementing policies and
procedures. Maintains and updates the system. May require a bachelor's
degree in area of specialty and two to four years of experience
in the field or in a related area. Relies on extensive experience
and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. May lead and direct the
work of others. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.
Laboratory Manager
median: $75,901
range: $64,049 to $89,663
Plans and implements the overall laboratory policies, procedures
and services for a unit and/or shift. May require a bachelor's degree
and must be a registered medical technologist with at least seven
years of clinical experience in a related field. Generally manages
clinical technicians. Typically reports to an executive.
Laboratory Supervisor
median: $42,828
range: $36,018 to $48,590
Organizes and directs the daily activities of the laboratory including
supervising personnel, quality assurance and quality control procedures.
Typically supervises the first shift. May require an associate's degree
and zero to two years of clinical experience in a related field. May
be expected to meet certain state certifications. Typically reports
to a manager.
Mammography Technologist
median: $42,254
range: $38,773 to $46,026
Operates x-ray equipment and performs various mammography-related
procedures. Responsibilities include preparing and maintaining records
and files, cleaning and adjusting equipment as needed. Requires completion
of a formal radiologic technology training program in an AMA approved
school, certificate in diagnostic mammography and two to four years
of experience. Works under general supervision. Typically reports
to a supervisor or manager.
Medical Laboratory Technician
median: $31,674
range: $28,361 to $35,649
Performs manual and automated routine blood tests. Prepares specimens
for microscope examination. May require an associate's degree or its
equivalent and zero to two years of clinical experience in a related
field. Typically reports to supervisor or manager.
Medical Records Director
median: $76,036
range: $67,394 to $85,733
Directs, establishes and plans the overall policies and goals for
a medical records department. Requires a bachelor's degree in a related
area with at least seven years of experience in the field. Generally
manages a group of exempt and nonexempt employees. Typically reports
to an executive.
Medical Technologist - Hematology
median: $42,823
range: $38,876 to $46,350
Performs blood tests and specialized hematologic procedures. May also
be expected to study morphology of blood and perform coagulation studies.
Requires a bachelor's degree with at least two to four years of experience.
Typically reports to a manager or supervisor.
Medical Technologist - Microbiology
median: $42,859
range: $39,921 to $46,759
Performs a variety of virological, mycological, bacteriological and
parasitological tests to provide data on cause and progress of disease.
Identifies, isolates and cultivates microorganisms present in body
fluids, skin scrapings, exudates, or autopsy and surgical specimens.
May require a bachelor's degree in medical technology, ASCP certification/eligibility,
and two to four years of experience in the field or in a related area.
Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish
goals. May lead and direct the work of others. Typically reports to
a supervisor or manager.
MRI Technologist
median: $46,793
range: $43,012 to $50,975
Operates a magnetic resonance scanner to obtain images used by physicians
in the diagnosis and treatments of pathologies. Selects appropriate
imaging techniques, operates console and peripheral hardware, enters
and monitors patient data, transfers images from disk to magnetic
media to produce the transparency and develops film in automatic processor.
May require a bachelor's degree in area of specialty and two to four
years of experience in the field or in a related area. Typically requires
registration with the ARRT. Works under general supervision. Typically
reports to a supervisor or manager.
Nuclear Laboratory Technologist Supervisor
median: $63,247
range: $57,994 to $69,474
Supervises personnel engaged in diagnostic laboratory testing. Performs
assigned phases of nuclear research under the guidance of the director
of nuclear medicine. May require a bachelor's degree and at least
five years of experience in the field or in a related area. Must also
be certified by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
or registration by the ARRT. Relies on extensive experience and judgment
to plan and accomplish goals. May lead and direct the work of others.
Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.
Nuclear Medicine Technician
median: $48,539
range: $43,287 to $53,863
Provides diagnostic aid to physicians by conducting organ or body
scans on patients. Administers and records isotope dosage in accordance
with established departmental protocol. Observes patient during procedure
and reports any abnormal activity. Typically requires a bachelor's
degree in Nuclear Medicine; two to four years of experience; and registration
with the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, the ARRT
or the American Society of Clinical Pathology. Works under general
supervision. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
median: $45,189
range: $42,111 to $48,577
Administers and monitors radionuclides to patients to determine presence
of radioactive drugs. Requires an associate's degree with zero to
two years of experience in a related field. May be expected to meet
certain state certifications. Typically reports to supervisor or manager.
Occupational Therapist
median: $53,376
range: $49,754 to $57,531
Plans and directs a course of occupational therapy to restore motor
control. Requires a bachelor's degree and certification as an occupational
therapist with two to four years of clinical experience. Typically
reports to a manager or supervisor.
Operating Room Technician
median: $30,061
range: $27,021 to $32,871
Assists surgical team during operative procedures by arranging and
inventorying sterile set-up for operation and passing items as needed.
Assists in preparing and moving patients and in cleaning the operating
theater. Must be a graduate of an accredited School of Surgical Technologists,
possess a current ORT certification and have two to four years of
experience. Works under general supervision. Typically reports to
a supervisor or manager.
Orthopedic Technician
median: $27,755
range: $24,054 to $32,490
Applies and adjusts plaster casts and assembles and attaches orthopedic
traction equipment and devices as directed by a physician. Sets up
bed traction units or rigs special devices as required. Inspects and
adjusts bandages and equipment. Requires a high school diploma or
its equivalent, completion of Orthopedic Technician training and certification
program and two to four years of related experience. Works under general
supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Paramedic
median: $29,271
range: $25,933 to $33,070
Provides emergency first aid to injured or ill patients, applies artificial
respiration, administers oxygen in cases of suffocation or asphyxiation,
dispenses antiseptic solution to prevent infection, starts and administers
intravenous fluids, and assists in lifting patient onto stretcher
and into/out of ambulance. Accompanies ambulance driver on calls and
may aid physician during emergency situations. Requires a high school
diploma or its equivalent, state certification and two to four years
of related experience. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Pharmacist
median: $68,215
range: $64,939 to $72,701
Under the direction of a physician, compounds and dispenses prescribed
drug. Requires a bachelor's degree and/or an advanced degree in pharmacy
and a license to practice. Typically reports to a manager or supervisor.
Pharmacist - Clinical
median: $73,715
range: $68,746 to $78,757
Conducts drug utilization review studies. Consults with medical practitioners
on prescription orders, patient reactions and errors. May require
a doctorate in pharmacy or medicine. Must be a registered pharmacist.
Typically reports to a manager or supervisor.
Pharmacy Technician
median: $22,279
range: $19,717 to $26,837
Under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist, compounds
and dispenses medical prescriptions. May be expected to perform some
clerical duties relating to the department. Requires a high school
diploma or its equivalent and zero to three years of clinical experience
in a related field. May be expected to meet certain state certifications.
Typically reports to supervisor or manager. The salary range for technicians
with four or more years of experience is $22,451 to $27,178.
Phlebotomist
median: $21,837
range: $19,956 to $24,106
Draws and collects blood samples from patients, verifies records and
prepares specimens for laboratory analysis. Requires a high school
diploma and/or certification by a nationally recognized body and zero
to three years of related experience. Has knowledge of commonly used
concepts, practices and procedures within a particular field. Relies
on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions
of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to
a supervisor or manager.
Physical Therapist
median: $57,494
range: $50,366 to $61,865
Plans and directs a course of physical therapy to restore motor control.
Requires a master's degree and certification as a physical therapist.
Typically reports to a manager or supervisor.
Physician Assistant
median: $69,353
range: $65,795 to $75,275
Under the supervision of a medical director, assesses, plans and provides
patient care under the authority of a physician's plan. May diagnose
patient illness. Requires a bachelor's degree with two to four years
of clinical experience. Must meet any state requirements pertaining
to a physician assistant. Typically reports to a physician.
Prosthetist/Orthotist
median: $54,593
range: $47,926 to $63,489
Designs and fits artificial limbs, braces and appliances for body
deformities and disorders by carefully examining affected area for
factors that would affect the fitting and/or placement. May specialize
in making and fitting artificial limbs and be designated a Prothetist,
or may specialize in making and fitting orthopedic braces and be designated
an Orthotist. Typically requires a bachelor's degree, certification
by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics,
and at least five years of experience in the field or in a related
area. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish
goals. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Radiation Therapy Technologist
median: $50,985
range: $46,775 to $56,036
Responsibilities include performing radiation therapy, radiographic
procedures and operating specialized x-ray equipment. Other duties
include keeping treatment records; maintaining, storing and ordering
supplies and equipment; and preparing operational reports as needed.
Typically requires an associate's degree or its equivalent, ARRT registry
or registry eligibility in radiation therapy technology, and two to
four years of experience in the field or in a related area. Works
under general supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Radiologic Technologist
median: $40,143
range: $36,486 to $42,510
Arranges patients for radiologic examinations. Produces radiographs
(x-rays) to aid in the diagnosis of medical problems. May require
an associate's degree or its equivalent with zero to two years of
experience in the field or in a related area. Relies on instructions
and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor
or manager.
Renal Dialysis Technician
median: $25,696
range: $22,636 to $30,131
Monitors and operates various machines related to peritoneal dialysis,
hemodialysis, plasmaphoresis and drug overdose. Develops and establishes
protocols for equipment evaluation and training materials to instruct
patients and staff in practices and principles of dialysis. Requires
a high school diploma or its equivalent, state certification and two
to four years of related experience. Relies on instructions and pre-established
guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate
supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Respiratory Therapist
median: $42,489
range: $38,848 to $46,365
Assists in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with
pulmonary disorders. May require an associate's degree or its equivalent
and two to four years of experience in the field or in a related area.
May be expected to meet certain state certifications and may require
CPR certification. Works under general supervision; typically reports
to a supervisor or manager.
Surgical Assistant
median: $40,228
range: $28,947 to $53,047
Performs various duties to assist surgeon during surgery: retracts
tissues and ties suturing materials, starts intravenous solutions,
inserts tubes and performs pap smears. Also collects history and performs
physical examinations of patients. Requires a high school diploma
or its equivalent, graduation from an accredited physician assistant
program and two to four years of related experience. Relies on instructions
and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Works under immediate supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor.
Celia
Colista is a Chicago-based freelance writer who specializes in career
issues.
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