Industrial Radiographer Job Description, Career as a Industrial Radiographer, Salary, Employment

Education and Training: Completion of Training Program

Average Salary: $34,000 Annually

Job Outlook: Good

Job Description

An industrial radiographer works to inspect objects and products for flaws, but uses a very specialized source to do so. They use radiation such as that obtained through gamma rays for example to inspect the items in question. They work to take radiographic images of the products in front of them so that they can be used at a later time for a specific purpose. They are responsible for the set up and of course ensuring that the proper radiation is used to capture the image in question.
Industrial radiographers are enlisted to help use radiation to capture images that might otherwise not be possible. They can use the appropriate technology to cut through barriers or outside obstacles to get to the subject matter itself. They work on a variety of products and subject matters depending on their employers and specific needs. They must be well versed in how to use the equipment and appropriate technology, as that’s a big part of the job and what they work through training to become well versed within.
They may be responsible for detecting flaws in certain objects. They may work simply to capture the radiographic images that others may not have success in achieving. They may be involved in obtaining measurements or being a part of quality control if that’s what the job dictates. Though they all use radiographic images for their jobs, the specifics depend on what the purpose of their job is. They may only take the necessary images or may be much more involved in the scope of the job.
A big part of the job of an industrial radiographer is to handle all of the equipment needs. They are responsible for maintenance of the equipment, and they must work through the necessary set up for each and every job that they take on. They must ensure that the radiographic technology that they use is appropriate for the job at hand. They may expect to be involved in research as part of this job. They are also largely responsible for explaining or presenting the findings to other members of their team.

Education and Training Requirements

Though it is expected that an industrial radiographer usually has some level of education such as a bachelor’s degree or even an associate’s degree, this is not normally a requirement. The most important aspect of educational requirements for this job is the actual training program that helps to prepare them to use the equipment. This may be obtained through an associate’s degree or similar program, or it may be a standalone training course.
It’s important that industrial radiographers know how to use the equipment and technology, and that they are quite involved in how to interpret the results of the radiographic images that they obtain as well. There is usually some level of ongoing training involved with this job as there may be updates in technology or equipment that they keep up with.

Getting the Job

The best way for an industrial radiographer to get the job is to show experience in their background. Initially this may be demonstrated through training and education, but as time moves on it must come from work experience. Showing great ability to handle the necessary equipment and to work on a variety of different applications can be a great way to help get the job. The more diverse their background and experience in working with the equipment or various subject matters, the more opportunities there may be in the future.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

As this is a rather specialized type of job, it can be expected that there are some good opportunities available. What helps individuals within this career path is that they may expect to find jobs in a variety of different sectors and for a variety of different employers, and therefore this means great opportunities for growth. There may be a good amount of job openings for those just entering the field, and of course may be additional opportunities available to those that possess the necessary experience. This is a career path that can keep an individual employed for some time to come.

Working Conditions and Environment

The specific type of environment may depend heavily upon the type of employer that they work for. No matter what their experience is or what sort of responsibilities they possess, industrial radiographers always work within a room or space that contains the necessary equipment. They usually must work to take the images from a small room outside of the subject matter as there are radiographic images being exchanged, and they don’t want to have a great exposure to this. They often must work with a variety of different subject matters, and therefore may have to travel about a bit to get to them—even if it’s within their own building. This isn’t generally a very high stress job or one associated with long hours, however it is expected that precision is always accomplished as these images are very important.

Salary and Benefits

The average salary for an industrial radiographer is typically around $34,000 each year. Though this is the typical range, it can vary quite extensively based on a number of factors. These may include geographical location that they work within, number of years of experience, level of responsibilities, and type of employer. All of these factors may contribute to a much higher or even lower salary earned, depending on where they fall. Those who work within this role can expect to earn the typical benefits that come with such a job such as paid time off, health insurance, and other benefits such as a retirement savings account.

Where to Go for More Information
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, MN 55120-1155
(612) 687-0048

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
15000 Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123-3917
(505) 298-4500