Are you considering a career as a radiology traveler? Good call. Many savvy radiology technologists are making the move to traveling these days. What have they discovered that others haven't?
Let's not beat around the bush. Many healthcare professionals choose to travel for the pay. According to the Center for Economic Policy Research, pre-pandemic travel nurses were earning almost 30% more than permanent staff. We're still waiting for pay rates to stabilize post-Covid, but its worth noting that for many years travelers have earned at higher rates than their colleagues in similar staff positions.
But pay isn't everything. Travel can serve as an amazing boost to your career. You can have a chance to work in highly regarded facilities, learn new technologies and modes of practice. You can hone your ability to fit in anywhere and become a valuable member of any team. Traveling looks great on a CV; hiring managers know that you are a multi-dimensional, hit-the-ground-running professional.
So there's the high travel pay and career growth -- now what about lifestyle? If you've got a little bit of wanderlust in you, love seeing new places and meeting new people, travel offers that in abundance. We work with many radiology technologists who love outdoor pursuits that deliver a dose of natural adrenaline. Want to try surfing in Radiology Technologist jobs in California, rock climbing in Colorado, skydiving on a Rad Tech job in NY? Radiology tech travel jobs deliver!
You'll want to work with a well-respected staffing firm. A skilled recruiter will know the ins and outs of finding the right position for you, will be able to tell you all the requirements of the position, and will tee you up for success -- from searching, to onboarding and beyond.
Do your research. A reputable allied staffing agency should have industry certification, positive reviews, and a substantial list of openings to offer you. You want to travel, not stay in one place forever, so look for an agency with a national presence.
Talk to Friends: Online reviews and ratings are super-useful, but there's nothing quite like hearing what a colleague has to say about their agency experience. Ask them to be candid, and whether or not they would recommend their agency, whether your a brand-new traveler or have been on the road for years.
When you do reach out to an agency, evaluate your contact on a few basics:
How long are radiology tech travel assignments?Most of our assignments are 13 weeks long. There are quite a few openings at 6 to 10 weeks in duration, and some facilities that are open to an extended assignment length based on the traveler's availability.
What is the pay like for a traveling radiology technologist? The average pay for a radiology traveler depends on experience, location, and the specific assignment. Pay rates are usually favorable vs on-staff rates, plus there are extra income possibilities like referral bonuses and overtime. Ask your recruiter for specifics on that extra income, but in the meantime, see today's pay ranges for Radiology Technologists at American Traveler Allied:
| Specialty | Min Wkly Pay* | Avg Wkly Pay* | Max Wkly Pay* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Scan | $1, 740 | $2, 574 | $4, 335 |
| Cath Lab Tech | $1, 760 | $2, 786 | $3, 891 |
| Dialysis Tech | $1, 034 | $1, 313 | $1, 592 |
| Echo/Cardiac Sonography | $1, 629 | $2, 624 | $3, 400 |
| EEG | $1, 490 | $1, 963 | $2, 455 |
| Interventional Radiology Tech | $1, 880 | $2, 884 | $4, 028 |
| Mammography | $2, 000 | $2, 691 | $3, 680 |
| MRI | $1, 395 | $2, 634 | $3, 600 |
| Nuclear Medicine | $1, 834 | $2, 813 | $3, 341 |
| Polysomnographer | $1, 523 | $2, 033 | $2, 920 |
| Radiology | $1, 452 | $2, 347 | $3, 419 |
| Sonography | $1, 177 | $2, 480 | $3, 189 |