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X Ray Technologist Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Chandra Operations Engineer, Part Time

Huntsville, AL

$68K - $92K/yr

... Technology Office. The Chandra X-Ray Observatory is a telescope specially designed to detect X-ray emissions from exploded stars, clusters of galaxies, and matter around black holes. The Program ...

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X Ray Technologist information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$703

$1.6K

$2.5K

How much do x ray technologist jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average weekly pay for x ray technologist in Decatur, AL is $1,563.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,126.92 and $1,973.08 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are X Ray Technologists?

X Ray Technologists, also known as radiologic technologists or radiographers, are healthcare professionals who specialize in using imaging equipment to create X-ray images of the body. These images help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. X Ray Technologists are trained to position patients correctly, operate X-ray machines safely, and ensure radiation protection for both patients and themselves. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic imaging centers, and may assist with a variety of procedures depending on their specialization.

What are some common challenges X Ray Technologists face, and how can they be managed?

X Ray Technologists often encounter challenges such as managing high patient volumes, ensuring precise imaging under time constraints, and maintaining patient comfort during procedures. Additionally, technologists must be vigilant about radiation safety protocols for both themselves and patients. These challenges can be managed through strong organizational skills, continuous professional development, and effective communication with both patients and healthcare team members.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an X Ray Technologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an X Ray Technologist, you need a solid understanding of radiographic imaging, anatomy, and radiation safety, typically supported by completion of an accredited radiologic technology program and ARRT certification. Familiarity with digital imaging systems, PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), and radiology equipment is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, strong communication, and patient care skills help technologists provide accurate images while ensuring patient comfort and safety. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality diagnostic images, maintaining regulatory compliance, and delivering compassionate care.

Is xray tech a good career?

X-ray technologists, also known as radiologic technologists, perform diagnostic imaging procedures using X-ray equipment and must obtain relevant certifications. The profession offers steady employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization, making it a stable and rewarding career in healthcare. Job prospects are strong due to ongoing demand for medical imaging services.

How much do 2 year rad techs make?

Radiologic technologists with two years of experience typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on location, workplace, and certifications. Experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand areas can increase earning potential for X-ray technologists.

What Does an X-Ray Technologist Do?

An x-ray technologist operates x-ray machines in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other medical facilities. In addition to traditional x-rays, you may also work with other medical devices, such as MRI, CT, or ultrasound machines. In this role, you review the doctor's orders for imaging, explain how the patient must stand or lay for you to take x-rays, then take extra precautions when necessary to protect the patient from unnecessary exposure to radiation, such as placing an iron-lined apron over the patient's torso or waist. Some x-ray technologists have skills in taking images of a specific body part, while others take general x-rays.

What is the difference between X Ray Technologist vs Radiologic Technologist?

AspectX Ray TechnologistRadiologic Technologist
CredentialsCertification in radiography, ARRT certification often requiredSame certifications as X Ray Technologist, including ARRT
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, imaging centersHospitals, outpatient facilities, diagnostic imaging centers
Job DutiesPerforming X-ray procedures, preparing patients, maintaining equipmentPerforming X-ray and other imaging procedures, patient care, equipment maintenance
Industry UsageCommonly used term for the roleBroader term encompassing X-ray and other imaging modalities

Both X Ray Technologists and Radiologic Technologists perform similar roles involving diagnostic imaging. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Radiologic Technologist' is a broader designation that includes X-ray procedures along with other imaging techniques. Certification requirements and work environments are generally the same for both roles.

What is the highest paying x-ray tech job?

The highest paying X-ray technologist roles are often in specialized areas such as radiology management, interventional radiology, or working in outpatient surgical centers, with salaries increasing for those with advanced certifications and extensive experience. Positions in urban or high-cost-of-living areas tend to offer higher compensation, and additional skills in advanced imaging techniques can also boost earning potential.

How much do x-ray techs make?

X-ray technologists in Florida typically earn an average annual salary of around $55,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and whether the technologist works full-time or part-time, with additional pay for night or weekend shifts. Certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) can also influence earning potential.
More about X Ray Technologist jobs
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for X Ray Technologist jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most X Ray Technologist job openings:
X Ray Technologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various X Ray Technologist job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,309 per year, or $39.1 per hour.
Postdoc Researcher

Postdoc Researcher

Universities Space Research Association

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

USRA and the Science and Technology Institute are seeking a full-time, Postdoc Researcher to work in our Huntsville Al office. The Postdoc Researcher will lead the advancement of the Enhanced Vertical Long Trace Profiler (eVLTP) to support NASA MSFC’s goal of advancing replicated X-ray optics to sub-arc-second angular resolutions. This position is supported by a recently selected 3-year award from the NASA Astrophysics Research and Analysis (APRA) Program and is based at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The VLTP is the only instrument in the world in its vertical long-trace configuration, specifically designed to measure slope and figure errors of grazing-incidence X-ray mirrors with extremely high accuracy over meter-class apertures. The successful candidate will play a central role in developing and advancing the eVLTP to support the development and validation of next generation grazing incidence optics for NASA X-ray missions.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Instrument Development:

  • Lead the development and implementation of enhancements to the VLTP to improve slope accuracy and repeatability.
  • Identify, model, and mitigate systematic error sources.
  • Design and integrate improved optical, optomechanical, and environmental control systems.
  • Develop advanced calibration techniques and establish quantitative error budgets.

Software, Analysis, and Modeling

  • Develop and maintain software for instrument control, data acquisition, and analysis.
  • Implement algorithms for slope extraction and surface figure reconstruction.
  • Model instrument performance and guide design improvements.

Precision Metrology

  • Perform high-accuracy slope measurements of grazing-incidence X-ray mirrors.
  • Develop improved measurement methodologies to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and robustness.
  • Support fabrication, process development, and validation of optics for future NASA missions.

Project and Scientific Contributions

  • Support milestones and deliverables for the NASA APRA-funded project.
  • Publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
  • Collaborate with NASA engineers, scientists, and academic partners.
  • Contribute to the long-term development of world-leading X-ray optics metrology capabilities.

This position offers a rare opportunity to play a leading role in advancing a one-of-a-kind optical metrology instrument that supports NASA’s next flagship X-ray observatory. The successful candidate will have significant technical ownership, opportunities for scientific leadership, and the ability to make lasting contributions to the development of next-generation spaceflight optics.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

  • Experience with precision optical instrumentation or metrology.
  • Strong experimental laboratory skills.
  • Programming experience in LabView, MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex technical projects.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with slope profilers, interferometers, or long trace profilers.
  • Experience with grazing-incidence, X-ray, or optics.
  • Knowledge of optical alignment and optomechanical system design.
  • Experience identifying and mitigating systematic measurement errors.
  • Experience developing scientific instrumentation.
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance is a benefit.


Working Conditions: This job operates in a professional office. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. This is largely a sedentary role. This job may require extended work hours, evenings and weekends to meet milestones/deadlines.

Remote Working: This position is not available for remote work. Candidate must be in the Huntsville, AL area.  

Travel: Negligible – attending scientific conferences 1-2 times per year


US Citizenship is required.

This position is contingent upon funding.


Applicants should apply to the posting at Home | USRA Careers and include a letter of interest, resume, or curriculum vitae. Additional information on USRA can be found at Home | USRA

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities / Females / Protected Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.