who makes more money? A respiratory therapist or x-ray technician.?

Answer 1

Screw the money! I will make plenty and not be exposed to nearly as much radiation as they will be!

In my job, I am starting at $28/hour. I'm a Registered Respiratory Therapist working in a normal hospital (all are union jobs, either way) in Canada.

How do you feel about radiation? I don't want to risk mutations, which is probably unfounded. Plus, I love what I do. What would you like to do? Take fancy pictures or be the boots on the ground treating all sorts of pulmonary disease?

I think that Respiratory Therapist enjoy a lot of respect around the hospital, we get to work with all patient populations (including babies), and our jobs are reasonably safe. There are many different settings for us outside the hospital too.

At the college I went to, the Respiratory program didn't have cut-offs (so long as you passed), no waiting list, and I went straight through the program. Some people I knew had to wait for a spot in the X-ray tech program for two and three years. My program was certainly long enough without being side-lined like that.

Answer 2

First - James - I'm sure you're very proud of your career, but please don't give out false information about mine. It is very safe.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Median annual earnings of respiratory therapists were $43,140 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,650 and $50,860. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,220, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $57,580. In general medical and surgical hospitals, median annual earnings of respiratory therapists were $43,140 in May 2004.

Median annual earnings of respiratory therapy technicians were $36,740 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,490 and $43,830. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,280. Median annual earnings of respiratory therapy technicians employed in general medical and surgical hospitals were $36,990 in May 2004.

Median annual earnings of radiologic technologists and technicians were $43,350 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,170 and $52,430. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,210. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of radiologic technologists and technicians in May 2004 were:

Medical and diagnostic laboratories $46,620
General medical and surgical hospitals 43,960
Offices of physicians 40,290

Here is a link to the most recent salary survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists: http://www.asrt.org/content/rts/surveyresults/wageandsalarysurvey/wagesalsurvey2007.aspx