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Military X-ray Technicians

Military Career

General Information

Description

X-ray technicians utilize medical radiology equipment and assist radiologists in performing radiographic procedures including mammographic examinations, fluoroscopic examinations, vascular procedures, and computerized axial tomographic examinations (CAT scans). They also help administer medical dyes, accurately target body structures for imaging, and work with healthcare professionals to deliver therapy to wounded or sick members of the Military.   

Work Environment

X-ray technicians work in hospitals and clinics. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals. They follow strict safety procedures to minimize exposure to radiation.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Health Science

Related Military Careers

No Information for this section

Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

X-ray Technicians in the Military

809

No Information for this section

Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$68,209

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$30,249 - $251,423

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

No Information for this section

Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Associate's degree 72%
  • Post-secondary certificate 16%
  • Bachelor's degree 10%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. X-ray technicians in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Operation of diagnostic imaging equipmentRadioactive isotope therapyImage processingAnatomy and physiologyPatient care in radiologyMedical ethics and lawPrinciples of radiation protectionField radiography

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Military training

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All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. X-ray technicians in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Operation of diagnostic imaging equipment
  • Radioactive isotope therapy
  • Image processing
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Patient care in radiology
  • Medical ethics and law
  • Principles of radiation protection
  • Field radiography

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Psychology
  • English Language

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No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.