Mammographic technologist job satisfaction: What radiologists need to know - Results of a large national survey

PURPOSE: To determine mammographic technologists' overall level of job satisfaction, the variables that correlate with job satisfaction, and whether job satisfaction has changed since 1987. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 29-item, scannable survey was mailed randomly to 5,000 mammographic technologists. Survey items were related to work setting, job description, rate of pay and other benefits, experience, education, age, and overall job satisfaction. The results were compared with those of a 1987 survey of general radiologic technologists. RESULTS: A total of 1,503 technologists responded to the survey. On a five-point scale, in which 5 represents very satisfied, the mean rating of job satisfaction +/- the standard deviation was 3.4 +/- 0.9; 83.1% of technologists rated overall satisfaction as 3 or higher compared with 86% of general technologists who reported being satisfied with their jobs in 1987. Regression analysis revealed that enjoyment from working with fellow mammographic technologists and enjoyment from working with radiologists (combined adjusted R-2, 26.5%) correlated significantly with increased job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Mammographic technologist job satisfaction is high and similar to that of general radiologic technologists, as reported in 1987. Survey results indicate that the most important variable related to mammographic technologist job satisfaction is the technologist-radiologist relationship; a negative relationship results in lower job satisfaction, which can affect job performance and patient care.