Unlike a conventional x-rayâwhich uses a fixed x-ray tubeâa CT scanner uses a motorized x-ray source that rotates around the circular opening of a donut-shaped structure called a gantry. During a CT scan, the patient lies on a bed that slowly moves through the gantry while the x-ray tube rotates around the patient, shooting narrow beams of x-rays through the body. Instead of film, CT scanners use special digital x-ray detectors, which are located directly opposite the x-ray source.
According to the BLS, diagnostic medical sonographers earned a median salary of $67,530 in 2014. The best-paid 10 percent earned more than $93,850, while the lowest-paid earned less than $46,930. Areas of the industry that pay well include specialty hospitals, outpatient care centers and colleges, universities and professional schools.
Average Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salaries for job postings nationwide.verage Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salaries for job postings nationwide.