Pay Up! D:ACH’s First Annual Salary Report

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.