Mammography Technologist

    Surgical Technician

    CIP Name: Mammography Technician|CIP Code: 51.0919
    SOC Codes: 25-1071, 29-2034

    A program that prepares registered radiographers to become registered mammographers.

    $92K
    Median Salary
    +10.8%
    Job Growth
    6mo-9mo
    Training
    20.1K
    Jobs/Year

    What Mammography Technologists Do

    A program that prepares registered radiographers to become registered mammographers.

    Common Tasks

    Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
    • 2Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
    • 3Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
    • 4Supervise laboratory sessions.
    • 5Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

    What You'll Learn

    anatomy and physiologymammography instrumentationmammography positioningprinciples and procedures of mammographyquality assurance

    Types of Mammography Technologists

    Assistant ProfessorAssociate ProfessorClinical ProfessorInstructorLecturerOccupational Therapy ProfessorPharmacology ProfessorPhysical Therapy ProfessorProfessorPublic Health ProfessorComputed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech)Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)Imaging Technologist (Imaging Tech)MammographerRadiographerRadiologic Technologist (RT)Radiology Technician (Radiology Tech)Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT (R))X-Ray Technician (X-Ray Tech)X-Ray Technologist (X-Ray Tech)

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Hospitals
    • • Outpatient imaging centers
    • • Women’s health clinics
    • • Breast care centers
    • • Mobile mammography units

    Schedule

    Most work full time on a set schedule, with some early, evening, or occasional weekend shifts depending on the facility.

    Physical Demands

    The job involves long periods of standing and walking, frequent patient positioning, and repetitive movements while operating imaging equipment. You’ll regularly handle and move equipment and may assist patients with limited mobility while maintaining radiation-safety practices.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $91,640
    $52,067$106,995+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $52,067
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $68,650
    Median
    50th percentile
    $91,640
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $134,855
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $106,995+

    National Employment: 517,600 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand may rise as the population ages and more people need routine breast cancer screening and follow-up imaging. Expanded access to preventive care and improved imaging technology can also increase the volume of mammograms performed.

    Skills You'll Need

    Patient positioning and mammography techniqueRadiation safety and infection controlAttention to detail and quality assurancePatient communication and empathyComfort working with sensitive, anxious patientsEquipment operation and basic troubleshootingAccurate documentation and compliance mindsetTeamwork with radiologists and clinic staff

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Direct impact through early cancer detection
    • Specialized skill set within medical imaging
    • Typically stable, clinic-based work environments
    • Clear protocols and quality standards to guide work
    • Opportunities to advance into lead or educator roles

    Cons

    • Frequent standing, lifting, and repetitive motions
    • Emotionally challenging patient interactions
    • Strict compliance and documentation requirements
    • Exposure risk requires constant radiation-safety vigilance
    • Time pressure to keep exams on schedule
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Mammography Technologist Trade

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