What Is A Radiologic Technologist Salary

ByBNW TEAM

A radiologic technologist, often referred to as an X-ray tech or rad tech, is a skilled healthcare professional responsible for performing diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. They work alongside radiologists and physicians, playing an essential role in detecting and tracking medical conditions.

For those considering this career, one of the biggest questions is: How much does a radiologic technologist earn? Salaries can vary based on national averages, location, education, experience, and even regulations like the salary standardization law, which helps establish fair compensation in the healthcare field.

Average Radiologic Technologist Salary in the United States

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2024), the median annual wage for radiologic technologists is around $68,000 per year (about $32.70 per hour). This figure can vary based on experience, education, and geographic location.

  • Lowest 10% earners: about $49,000 per year
  • Median 50% earners: about $68,000 per year
  • Top 10% earners: more than $95,000 per year

Salary by Work Setting

Different healthcare environments pay radiologic technologists at varying rates:

  • Hospitals (general medical & surgical) – around $69,000/year
  • Outpatient care centers – higher average, around $75,000/year
  • Physicians’ offices – about $65,000/year
  • Diagnostic imaging centers – around $71,000/year

Outpatient centers and specialty clinics often pay more due to advanced imaging services and patient demand.

Salary by State

Location plays a huge role in determining salary. States with higher costs of living and greater demand for healthcare professionals usually offer higher wages.

  • California – $95,000+ per year
  • New York – $85,000 per year
  • Texas – $72,000 per year
  • Florida – $66,000 per year
  • Ohio – $65,000 per year

California consistently ranks highest, thanks to its high demand for imaging specialists and elevated cost of living.

Specializations That Increase Salary

Radiologic technologists who pursue additional certifications or advanced imaging modalities tend to earn more. High-paying specialties include:

  • MRI Technologist – $80,000+
  • CT Technologist – $75,000 – $85,000
  • Mammography Technologist – $72,000 – $80,000
  • Interventional Radiology Technologist – $85,000 – $95,000+
  • Radiation Therapy Technologist – $90,000 – $100,000+

These roles often require additional training but lead to higher earning potential.

Job Outlook for Radiologic Technologists

The BLS projects a 6% growth in employment for radiologic technologists from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The demand is fueled by:

  • An aging population requiring more diagnostic imaging
  • Advances in imaging technology
  • Expansion of outpatient care facilities

This strong demand helps maintain competitive salaries across the field.

A career as a radiologic technologist provides steady income, promising job growth, and opportunities for advancement through specialization. While the average salary is about $68,000 per year, earnings can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and certifications, and are generally much higher than the minimum wage per hour. Those who focus on advanced imaging areas such as MRI, CT, or interventional radiology often achieve the highest pay.

Similar Posts