Did you know that women who participate in routine mammogram screenings had a 41 percent reduction in their risk of dying of breast cancer within 10 years? Mammograms are an important part of screening and cancer detection, and the CDC recommends that women ages 40 to 74 get a mammogram every 2 years.
Mammography techs operate advanced mammography equipment to capture breast imaging scans for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Their role is vital in women’s health.
This specialized imaging role is in growing demand nationwide. The need for radiologic technologists is expected to increase by five percent before 2034. Many factors are driving this growing demand for mammography technologists, including an aging population, an emphasis on early cancer detection, and broader screening guidelines given to the general public.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of becoming a mammography technologist and what that process looks like.
Mammography Technologist vs. Technician
The titles of mammography technologists and technicians are often used interchangeably, and there is no functional difference between the two. However, in the broader healthcare industry, the term “technologist” typically implies more formal education and experience.
Mammography technologists operate advanced breast imaging equipment and perform most patient-facing tasks. A mammography technician, on the other hand, might focus on equipment maintenance and routine screening tasks.
The path to becoming a mammography technologist has more earning potential than a technician position, but the educational requirements and clinical experience do take longer.
How To Become a Mammography Technologist
Becoming a mammography technologist starts with specific educational and clinical requirements.
Below are the steps to start your career as a mammographer:
- Become a Radiologic Technologist. Complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in an accredited radiography program, and pass the ARRT certification exam in radiography. This process typically takes two to four years to complete.
- Fulfill Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) Education Requirements: Fulfill 40 hours of specialized mammography education and coursework. This coursework covers breast anatomy, positioning, quality control, compression, etc.
- Complete Clinical Training: Perform at least 25 supervised mammography exams, as well as 8 hours of training for any specialized exam equipment (such as 3D mammography). This must be supervised by a qualified instructor.
- Pass the ARRT Mammography Exam: This certification exam can be taken when educational and clinical requirements are met, and adds the (M) credential to R.T. titles. This certification must be maintained by completing 24 hours of continuing education every two years, as well as keeping all clinical requirements fulfilled.
Job Responsibilities of a Mammography Technologist
Mammography techs are responsible for successfully capturing breast imaging while safely managing the patient’s experience. Some of the day-to-day routine of a breast imaging technologist will vary by facility, but many of their responsibilities overlap across workplaces. A few of the typical job responsibilities of a mammography tech include:
- Prepping patients
- Positioning patients for imaging
- Minimizing radiation through safety protocols
- Operating advanced mammography equipment
- Stocking supplies
- Documenting for patient records
Where Does a Mammography Technologist Typically Work?
Most mammography tech jobs are in hospitals, but many also work in outpatient imaging and radiology clinics, cancer treatment centers, and specialized clinics (like breast health centers or mobile mammography units).
While most hospitals hire medical imaging professionals, some specialty care units have an even greater need for breast imaging technologists. Those include women’s health clinics, large outpatient diagnostic imaging centers, breast imaging or cancer centers, and acute care hospitals.
At each of these different workplaces, mammography techs typically work daytime shifts of 8 to 10 hours with most weekends off. While many radiology technologist positions require overnight rotations or call schedules, most mammo techs enjoy weekends and holidays off. The exception would be imaging centers or certain hospitals that do schedule 12-hour shifts or PRN positions.
Top Benefits of Becoming a Mammography Technologist
Becoming a mammography technologist is a rewarding career choice in high demand, with growing benefits and opportunities. Some of those benefits include:
Competitive Compensation
The annual compensation of mammographers varies by setting and location. The average annual base salary is estimated at $89,220, according to ZipRecruiter, with an average hourly rate of $42.89. That salary potential can increase based on work settings, travel position contracts, competitive cities or states, advanced certifications or specialization, and more.
High Demand
The demand for mammography technologist jobs is increasing faster than the average rate of general occupations. This growth is projected to be about 15,400 openings for radiologic technologists each year, on average, through 2034.
Top-Paying Mammography Technologist Roles
Specialized technologists and leadership roles in mammography technology have a higher earning potential than general radiology technology roles. The highest-paid positions among mammography technologists include:
- Travel mammography techs
- PRN/night shift techs
- Lead/management roles
Top-Paying Travel Locations for Mammography Techs
Working as a travel mammography tech offers unique career opportunities, valuable experience, competitive compensation, and the chance to experience new places temporarily. Travel contracts will often include location-specific stipends or bonuses that increase overall contract value, so make sure to consider all factors when comparing options for the right position.
Here are some of the top states to consider for competitive salaries or higher rates of job availability:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Virginia
Find the Right Mammography Technologist Position With SHC
Are you looking to find a mammography tech position that fits both your personal situation and your career goals? Are you hoping to find a travel position or local opportunity with competitive contracts and a trusted facility?
Supplemental Health Care has over 40 years of experience helping providers find the position that fits their next steps. Our dedicated team connects technologists with trusted hospitals and clinics across the country, with competitive opportunities and full support beyond the negotiation phase and hiring process. Search here for your next role as a mammography tech or to learn more about the radiology technologist positions. Reach out today to learn more about how SHC can help you take the next steps in your career!
Mammography Technologist FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of mammography technologists:
What does a mammography technologist do?
A mammography technologist performs diagnostic breast imaging and screening by operating specialized X-ray equipment and guiding patients through the imaging process. They also adhere to safety and quality control standards throughout the imaging process and collaborate with radiologists to verify imaging results or assist with additional specialized procedures.
What is the difference between a mammography technician and a mammography technologist?
Mammography technologists are sometimes referred to as technicians. Even though the terms are often used interchangeably, the general understanding is that technologists have obtained more education, professional certifications, and clinical training.
A mammography technologist has completed the education and clinical requirements to be a credentialed radiologic technologist and then obtained a specialized certification in mammography. A mammography technician, on the other hand, works primarily on machine maintenance rather than patient-facing tasks. Although the terms are used interchangeably in informal conversation, the medical industry primarily uses technologist to reflect higher levels of diagnostic expertise, education, and patient care experience.
How do you become a mammography technologist?
You can become a mammography technologist in these four steps:
- Become a Radiologic Technologist. Complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in an accredited radiography program, and pass the ARRT certification exam in radiography.
- Fulfill Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) Education Requirements: 40 hours of specialized mammography education and coursework.
- Complete Clinical Training: Perform at least 25 supervised mammography exams, as well as 8 hours of training for any specialized exam equipment (such as 3D mammography).
- Pass the ARRT Mammography Exam: This certification exam can be taken when educational and clinical requirements are met, and adds the (M) credential to R.T. titles.
How much does a mammography technologist make?
The average annual base salary is approximately $89,220, according to ZipRecruiter, and the average hourly rate is $42.89. That salary potential can grow based on city, facility type, contract details, travel positions, certifications, leadership positions, and more.
Where are the best states to work as a travel mammography technologist?
Some of the top states to consider for high salaries, competitive contracts, or widely available job opportunities include:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Virginia
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