Alaskan Options in Radiologic Technology
The field of radiology is growing around the country and the state of Alaska, like many states in the US, is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified radiology technologists. As a result, this is a great time to begin a career in radiology in Alaska. (Leer esta información en español)
The overall shortage of radiology technicians means that jobs are readily available to qualified individuals, and it also means that salaries are currently very competitive compared to other fields.
Salaries for Radiologic Technologists
In Alaska, the average annual salary is $82,560, with the lowest 10% earning $65,570 or less and the highest 10% earning $108,150 or more. Nationally, the average salary is $73,410, with the lowest 10% earning $50,020 or less and the highest 10% earning $102,380 or more. This data highlights significant differences in wages between Alaska and the national average, and it also breaks down salaries by percentiles for further detail.
National vs. Local Salaries
| Location | Average Salary | 10% Earn Less Than | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $73,410 | $50,020 | $102,380 |
| Alaska | $82,560 | $65,570 | $108,150 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region
| Region | 10% Earn Less Than | 25% Earn Less Than | Median Salary | 75% Earn More Than | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $50,020 | $60,690 | $73,410 | $84,670 | $102,380 |
| Alaska | $65,570 | $76,680 | $82,560 | $100,550 | $108,150 |
| Alaska nonmetropolitan area | $74,560 | $78,480 | $96,980 | $100,770 | $116,170 |
| Anchorage, AK | $65,750 | $77,800 | $82,560 | $100,230 | $102,890 |
| Fairbanks, AK | $59,660 | $70,820 | $79,410 | $87,030 | $108,080 |
Radiologic technologist Trends in Alaska
In Alaska, there were 460 employees in 2020, projected to grow to 530 by 2030, representing a 15% increase, with 40 annual job openings. Nationally, there were 222,800 employees in 2022, projected to grow to 235,000 by 2032, a 6% increase, with 13,100 annual job openings.
Employment Trends
| Location | Year | Employment | Projected Employment | Growth | Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 2020 | 460 | 530 | 15% | 40 |
| United States | 2022 | 222,800 | 235,000 | 6% | 13,100 |
Source of the data:
- Alaska: data for wages here and for employment trends here.
- U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics
Radiology Technologist Requirements in Alaska
Currently, Alaska does not require that technicians in the field of radiology be licensed and registered to obtain work. However, many clinics and hospitals do require certification, and individuals may limit their job prospects if they do not certify and register with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. There are relatively few locations to earn a radiology degree in Alaska, but the minimal requirements to work in this state means that individuals who obtain a degree elsewhere will be qualified to work in Alaska.
Radiologic Technology Schools in Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers a five-semester Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiologic Technology. The radiologic technology program qualifies graduates to apply for work as medical radiographers and to certify with the AART. Select distance-delivered program sites are available in areas such as Fairbanks, Juneau, and Kenai. Individuals in those areas who want to pursue radiologic technology should contact UAA for more information about distance learning.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology in cooperation with Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and the University of Alaska Career and Technical College. The five-semester program is designed around the requirements for certification with ARRT. Students will have the opportunity to gain over 1200 clinic hours at Fairbanks Memorial, Bassett Army Hospital, and the Tanana Valley Clinic.
Large Employers in Radiology
There are several large hospitals and medical centers in Alaska to which radiologic technologists may want to apply. Population centers with these kinds of facilities employ the largest numbers of radiologic technologists, but small clinics and doctors’ offices in sparse areas may also employ technologists.
Providence Alaska Medical Center, locations in Anchorage, Kodiak Island, Mat-Su Valley, Seward, and Valdez
3200 Providence Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
(907) 562-2211
Alaska Regional Hospital, Anchorage
2801 Debarr Road
Anchorage, AK 99508-2997
(907) 264–1754
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Fairbanks
1650 Cowles Street
Fairbanks, AK 99701
907-452-8181
Bartlett Regional Hospital, Juneau
3260 Hospital Drive
Juneau, Alaska 99801
907-796-8900
Sitka Community Hospital, Sitka
209 Moller Avenue
Sitka, Alaska 99835
907-747-3241
Professional Organizations
Current or aspiring radiologic technologists in Alaska may seek support from the Alaska Society of Radiologic Technologists (AKSRT), which is the Alaska affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). Individuals seeking jobs for which nationally recognized certification and registration are necessary should also contact the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).