The average salary for a radiologic technologist (rad tech) in the United States is approximately $70,000 per year. Salaries vary by experience, location, and specialization. Entry-level rad techs may earn around $50,000, while experienced professionals in high-demand areas can earn over $90,000 annually.
What Is a Radiologic Technologist?
A radiologic technologist uses imaging equipment to create detailed images of the body to help physicians diagnose and treat patients.
They work in hospitals, outpatient centers, and physician offices, often performing X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. These professionals, also known as radiology technicians or rad techs, play a vital role in patient care and healthcare services.
Most enter the field through an associate’s degree or technical school, with many obtaining certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- Common diagnostic procedures: X-rays, CT scans, fluoroscopy
- Required skills: Operating imaging equipment, patient positioning, ensuring image quality
- Related roles: MRI technologists, CT technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists
National Radiologic Technologist Salary Overview
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists in 2025 is around $78,000, with a range from $52,000 to over $120,000 depending on role, region, and experience.
Here’s a breakdown of reported salary data:
Radiology Tech Salary Overview Table
| Source | Median Annual Salary | Salary Range Low | Salary Range High | Average Hourly Wage | Top Paying States | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse.org | $78,980 | $64,910 | $121,420 | N/A | Washington, DC, NY, MA, AK | Median salary as of May 2024, varies by state and experience |
| Allied Health Schools | $77,660 | $52,360 | $106,990 | N/A | CA, CT, DC | Education and certification significantly affect pay |
| ZipRecruiter | $95,899 | $65,500 | $144,500 | $46.11 | CA, WA, MA | Average hourly wage as of May 2025 |
| Advantismed | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | CA, NY, HI | Travel tech roles pay more due to demand and location premiums |
Salary by Experience Level
Rad tech salaries grow steadily with experience, starting at about $50,000 and increasing to over $90,000 for highly experienced professionals.
- 0–2 years: $48,000–$55,000 (Entry-level; average $23.02/hour)
- 3–5 years: $58,000–$66,000
- 6–10 years: $67,000–$75,000
- 10–20 years: $75,000–$85,000
- 20+ years: $85,000–$95,000 (Possible plateau after 20 years)
Professionals with over 10 years of experience and additional certifications often move into supervisory roles, increasing their base pay significantly.
State-by-State Salary Comparison
California, Washington, and Massachusetts offer the highest average salaries for radiologic technologists, often exceeding $90,000.
Top-paying states typically reflect higher living costs. Here are some examples:
| State | Average Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | $95,000–$110,000 | High demand, urban medical centers |
| Washington | $90,000–$100,000 | Strong job outlook and high pay |
| Massachusetts | $88,000–$95,000 | Competitive healthcare industry |
| Texas | $70,000–$82,000 | Lower cost of living, many job opportunities |
| Florida | $68,000–$77,000 | Growing population and healthcare demand |
Cities like New York and Los Angeles often offer higher wages due to location premiums, though they come with higher costs of living.
Salary by Workplace Setting
Rad techs earn more in outpatient care centers and federal government roles than in physician offices.
Here’s how pay differs by setting:
- Federal Government: $93,970
- Outpatient Centers: $81,000
- Hospitals: $78,560
- Labs: $76,770
- Physician Offices: $66,060
Facilities with night shifts, on-call hours, and high patient volume typically offer higher overtime pay and shift differentials.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Rad Tech
Certifications, education, and relocation to high-paying regions can raise your salary by 10%–20%.
- Obtain certification in modalities like CT, MRI, and mammography
- Advance education from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree
- Relocate to high-demand markets like California, New York, or Hawaii
- Specialize in areas such as cardiovascular technologists or nuclear medicine
Many employers offer higher compensation for professionals with multiple credentials through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Job Outlook and Future Trends
The job outlook for radiologic technologists is strong, with 6% growth projected through 2032, according to U.S. labor statistics.
- Aging population increases need for diagnostic procedures
- MRI scans and CT scans are expanding in use
- AI and automation are influencing how imaging procedures are conducted
- Continued demand exists for x ray techs, diagnostic medical sonographers, and technicians
Radiologic technicians who stay current with new imaging technology and pursue continuing education will remain in high demand.
Popular Questions
Common questions we get asked about rad techs.
How does the cost of living in top-paying states affect the real value of a rad tech’s salary?
High-paying states like California and New York have high living costs. This reduces real income despite larger gross salaries compared to lower-cost states.
Are there significant salary differences between hospital-based and outpatient-based radiology techs?
Yes. Federal jobs pay the most, followed by outpatient centers, hospitals, labs, and physician offices.
How do shift differentials and overtime impact a rad tech’s yearly income?
Shift pay and overtime can significantly boost earnings. Night and weekend shifts increase hourly wages. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the base rate.
Does holding multiple imaging certifications increase a rad tech’s salary, and by how much?
Yes. Certifications in multiple modalities can raise pay by 10%–20%, especially in high-demand markets or larger hospitals.
What is the salary outlook for part-time or per diem rad techs compared to full-time staff?
Per diem and contract rad techs often earn higher hourly rates. However, they usually receive fewer or no benefits, and income varies month-to-month.
How quickly does rad tech salary grow with experience, and is there a plateau?
Wages increase steadily for the first 10–15 years. After 20 years, many hit a wage plateau unless they move into specialized or supervisory roles.
Our Thoughts
Radiology tech salary is competitive and increases with experience, certifications, and location. Technologists who invest in continuing education and advanced imaging skills earn more, especially in high-demand regions. With a positive job outlook, consistent salary growth, and strong demand for medical imaging, becoming a radiologic technologist is a reliable and rewarding healthcare career.
