How To Become An X-Ray Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is an x-ray operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Dr. Heidi Shelton D.C., R.T(R)

The average x-ray operator salary is $55,997. The most common degree is a associate degree degree with an medical technician major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become an x-ray operator. X-ray operators with a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 6% and produce 17,000 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to an X-Ray Operator?

Dr. Heidi Shelton D.C., R.T(R)

Clinical Coordinator, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

There are many ways to maximize your salary potential, anywhere from taking on extra shifts and call, to taking on bigger responsibilities like a leadership or supervisor role. It is important to maintain your registry through valid continuing education credits that would actually improve your skills and benefit the clinic or hospital you work at. In addition, post-primary certifications can also allow you to obtain a higher salary. Most importantly, working with a financial planner will help you learn how to save and maximize your income.

ScoreX-Ray OperatorUS Average

Salary

4.4

Avg. Salary $55,997

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

7.9

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

7.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.56%

Asian 8.91%

Black or African American 10.14%

Hispanic or Latino 18.45%

Unknown 4.82%

White 57.12%

Gender

female 51.13%

male 48.87%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress Level

7.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

7.5

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

9.4

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an x-ray operator

Explore x-ray operator education requirements

Most common x-ray operator degrees

Associate

39.2 %

High School Diploma

22.6 %

Bachelor's

20.3 %

Start to develop specific x-ray operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	19.78%
Patient Care	13.70%
Radiology	10.06%
Vital Signs	9.62%
Patient History	8.25%

Complete relevant x-ray operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New x-ray operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an x-ray operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real x-ray operator resumes.

Research x-ray operator duties and responsibilities

Utilize learned skills in the area of radiation safety for the protection of patients and coworkers.
Experience in regular film (dark room), digital, PACS and film less equipment.
Take out staples, sutures, remove splints, set up injections and assist doctors with injections.
Perform radiologic imaging for both adult and pediatric patients.

Prepare your x-ray operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your x-ray operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an x-ray operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable X-Ray Operator Resume templates

Build a professional X-Ray Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your X-Ray Operator resume.

Apply for x-ray operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an x-ray operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do x-ray operators rate their job?