Radiologic Technologist Salary Guide (2025)
Radiologic technologists — the healthcare professionals who operate X-ray, CT, MRI, and other imaging equipment — earn solid wages with an associate degree and a clear path to six-figure income through specialization. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median of $65,140 annually for radiologic technologists and technicians.
Radiologic Technologist Salary by State (2025)
| State | Annual Mean Wage | Hourly Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $95,010 | $45.68 |
| Hawaii | $88,620 | $42.61 |
| Massachusetts | $84,310 | $40.53 |
| Oregon | $82,470 | $39.65 |
| Nevada | $81,240 | $39.06 |
| Washington | $79,680 | $38.31 |
| Alaska | $78,930 | $37.95 |
| New York | $77,540 | $37.28 |
| Connecticut | $75,810 | $36.45 |
| Colorado | $74,390 | $35.76 |
| Arizona | $72,010 | $34.62 |
| Minnesota | $71,840 | $34.54 |
| Texas | $68,920 | $33.13 |
| Florida | $64,310 | $30.92 |
| Illinois | $67,540 | $32.47 |
| Ohio | $62,890 | $30.23 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,410 | $30.49 |
| Georgia | $61,720 | $29.67 |
| Virginia | $66,810 | $32.12 |
| North Carolina | $60,840 | $29.25 |
| Tennessee | $58,730 | $28.24 |
| Michigan | $62,540 | $30.07 |
| Mississippi | $54,820 | $26.36 |
| Alabama | $57,390 | $27.59 |
| New Jersey | $74,810 | $35.97 |
Radiologic Technologist Salary by Specialty
General X-ray is the starting point. Specialized imaging modalities command significantly higher wages:
| Imaging Modality | Annual Mean Wage | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| General Radiographer (X-ray) | $65,140 | ARRT (R) |
| CT Technologist | $74,820 | ARRT (CT) |
| MRI Technologist | $78,340 | ARRT (MR) |
| Mammographer | $72,560 | ARRT (M) |
| Interventional Radiographer | $82,410 | ARRT (VI) |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | $88,230 | ARRT (N) / NMTCB |
| Radiation Therapist | $89,140 | ARRT (T) |
| Sonographer (Ultrasound) | $79,230 | ARDMS |
Education Requirements for Radiologic Technologists
Most rad tech programs are 2-year associate degrees offered at community colleges and hospital-based schools. A bachelor's degree in radiologic technology is also available and provides a path to management and education roles.
Program requirements typically include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Radiation physics and biology
- Radiographic positioning and procedures
- Patient care and clinical practice (800+ hours minimum)
- Image evaluation and quality control
After completing an accredited program, you must pass the ARRT examination to become a certified and registered radiologic technologist (RT(R)).
Job Outlook and Demand Drivers
The BLS projects 6% growth for radiologic technologists through 2033. Key demand drivers include:
- Growing use of medical imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning
- Aging population requiring more imaging procedures
- Expansion of outpatient imaging centers (often pay less but offer better hours)
- Increasing use of CT and MRI in emergency and trauma settings
Hospital-based rad techs often earn more than those in outpatient settings, particularly when overtime and shift differentials are factored in. Night and weekend shifts frequently come with 10–15% pay differentials.
See the full Radiologic Technologist Career Guide. Also compare with the Surgical Tech Salary Guide.
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