Radiology technologist salary guide

Radiology technologists, who perform diagnostic and in-procedure imaging, earn a median annual salary of $77,660, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Key takeaways

• Annual salaries for radiology techs vary but generally span from about $52,360 on the lower end to $106,990 on the higher end.
• Factors such as location and cost of living, education level, years of experience and specialty certifications all impact earning potential for radiology techs.
• Employment projections for radiology techs are strong, with the BLS estimating that the profession will grow faster than the average across all occupations through the next decade.

Radiology tech overview

Radiology technologists perform medical imaging services for patients who are ill or injured. They take X-rays to start but can earn certifications that will allow them to use other imaging technologies as well.

The top 10% of radiology technologists—also called radiographers, X-ray technicians and radiologic technologists—earn $106,990 and the bottom 10% earn $52,360.

Salaries vary by state. While these figures can be helpful, keep in mind that the cost of living also varies by location.

Where radiology techs earn the most

Location can play a big role in how much you can expect to earn as a radiology technologist. Cities with many hospitals, expansive healthcare systems and lots of people to care for typically mean there are more positions for radiology technologists in urban areas. Urban workplaces tend to offer higher salaries for radiology technologists, and healthcare professions in general, to attract top candidates and compensate for higher costs of living in these areas.

These are the cities with the highest median annual salaries for radiology techs, according to the BLS. As you can see, most of these cities are in California, the state with the highest cost of living in the continental U.S. Remember that while these places may pay more, it also costs a lot more to live there. A smaller salary in a more suburban or rural area may stretch farther.

What factors influence a radiology technologist’s salary?

Location is just one of many factors that can influence radiology technologist salaries:

To proactively advance your career, you can set yourself up for professional opportunities.

“One neat thing about radiography is that once you start off, you’re just getting started on professional opportunities you can explore over the course of your career,” said Peter Rath, MPA, RT (R), ARRT, who evaluates continuing education programs at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

Let’s look at how education, experience, certifications and workplace setting can influence salaries in more detail.

Education

All radiology technologists must complete at least an associate degree in radiology. Your education doesn’t have to stop there, though. “Continuing your education can create many opportunities for radiologic technologists,” Rath said.

A bachelor’s degree in radiological science or healthcare administration are natural next educational steps for radiographers.

Additional relevant education generally translates to a higher salary and can influence your career trajectory. A bachelor’s degree is generally required if a radiology technologist wants to advance to a supervisory or managerial role, Rath said. Along with more responsibility, these promotions can increase earnings.

The timing is actually terrific for ambitious radiology technologists entering the field, Rath said.

“Many people are retiring from supervisory and management positions, which creates room for younger or newer technologists to advance in a faster time frame,” he said.

Experience

Entry-level positions for radiology technologists generally pay less than roles filled by more experienced techs. While you can’t fast-forward the calendar to gain years on the job, you can gain additional experience in other ways.

“In smaller and rural hospitals, you’ll have more opportunities to do different things and work in different capacities,” Rath said. “They’re more likely to allow radiographers to cross-train in other modalities, such as mammography and CT imaging, which leads to extra skills. It’s easier to become a Jack or Jane of all trades in rural and small settings.”

Gaining experience across departments and imaging modalities could set you up for earning a higher income.

Certification

To begin their career, radiology technologists can earn the Registered Radiologic Technologist R.T. (R) certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). That’s just a starting point—you can earn additional certifications, too.

“Someone entering the field who wants a challenge can earn certifications in modalities beyond radiography,” Rath said. You can begin this process while earning your associate degree or after you’ve begun working.

Workplace

A radiology technologist salary may vary by workplace too. Here’s a look at median annual salaries in four primary workplaces, according to BLS data.

What is the job outlook for radiology technologists?

“Most people considering becoming a radiologic technologist ask, ‘Is this a profession I can rely on as a career?'” Rath said. “The answer is: most definitely.”

The BLS’s job growth forecast for radiology technologists is 4.3% through 2034, higher than the average growth of all U.S. jobs.

“As we see the baby boom generation age, they access healthcare in greater numbers,” Rath explained. “That’s pushing demand for more facilities and more radiographers.”

As with any profession, there is also always a need to replace workers who retire or change careers.

“As working technologists reach the end of their careers, demand for radiographers increases,” Rath said. “There’s more and more need for radiologic technologists to enter the field.”

Where the jobs are

“Employment rates for radiologic technologists continue to be high and stable,” Rath said. “There is an especially high demand for radiographers in growing communities.”

That makes sense, since more people living in an area will mean more people who need radiography for broken bones, blocked blood vessels, lung infections, and other conditions. It should come as no surprise, then, that more populous areas have greater demand for radiographers. Take a look at the cities in the U.S. with the most radiology technologists below.

Frequently asked questions