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.
Find Training Programs in Your State
Get matched with local schools offering programs in your target career — free.