A Radiologic Technologist—often referred to as a radiology tech or rad tech—is a trained healthcare professional who uses specialized imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. If you’ve ever had an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, chances are a radiologic technologist was the one operating the machinery behind the scenes.
Radiology techs work closely with doctors, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team. They don’t just snap images; they position patients correctly, ensure image clarity, and maintain critical safety standards for both themselves and their patients.
While many people associate radiology techs solely with X-rays, the field is much broader. Some specialize in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Tomography), or mammography. Others work in interventional radiology or cardiovascular imaging. It’s a career that blends science, technology, and patient care.
Role and Responsibilities in Healthcare
Radiologic technologists are more than button-pushers. Their role is multifaceted. On any given day, a rad tech might:
Prepare patients for imaging procedures by explaining the process.
Position patients and imaging equipment accurately.
Operate complex machines like fluoroscopes, MRIs, or CT scanners.
Maintain patient records and imaging results.
Ensure all safety protocols are followed, especially radiation protection.
Collaborate with radiologists and physicians to determine image clarity.
Their work directly influences diagnoses, treatment plans, and patient outcomes. In short, radiologic techs are a critical part of the modern healthcare system.
Average Radiology Tech Salary in the U.S.
National Average Salary Overview
So, how much do radiology techs actually make? According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for radiologic technologists in the United States is approximately $70,000. That breaks down to about $33.65 per hour.
However, this is just a national average. Salaries can vary widely based on factors like location, specialization, experience, and education. Some techs in high-demand cities or with advanced certifications can earn well over $90,000 per year, while entry-level positions might start around $50,000.
Here’s a rough breakdown of average annual salaries:
Lowest 10%: $50,000 – $55,000
Median 50%: $70,000
Top 10%: $90,000 – $100,000+
While not quite six figures at the median level, the pay is solid—especially for a job that requires only a two-year associate degree to get started.
Salary Growth Over the Years
Radiology tech salaries have steadily increased over the last decade, largely due to:
Technological advancements in imaging.
Increased demand for diagnostic procedures.
A growing and aging population requiring more healthcare services.
In 2015, the national average salary for radiology techs was around $58,000. Fast forward to today, and it’s grown by over 20%. That kind of growth speaks volumes about the stability and demand of this profession.
In the next 5–10 years, as older workers retire and healthcare needs continue to rise, experts predict salaries will climb even higher—especially for those with multiple certifications or experience in niche modalities like MRI or nuclear medicine.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level Radiology Tech Salary
Starting out as a radiology tech? You can expect to earn between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on your state and employer. While that may seem modest compared to senior roles, it’s an excellent salary for a job that requires only an associate’s degree and short clinical training.
Entry-level positions often begin in hospitals or outpatient clinics, and new techs may be limited to basic X-ray imaging. However, as you gain experience, you can branch into higher-paying areas like CT, MRI, or even interventional radiology.
Pro tip: Hospitals usually pay slightly better than outpatient centers for entry-level roles, and night or weekend shifts often come with bonuses or higher hourly rates.
Mid-Level and Senior Technologist Earnings
With 5–10 years under your belt, salaries typically jump into the $70,000 to $85,000 range. Techs at this level often hold certifications in multiple modalities, such as both CT and MRI, which boosts their value and pay rate.
Some experienced techs move into supervisory or lead technologist roles. These positions oversee other rad techs, manage schedules, and sometimes assist in department planning—making them even more valuable and better compensated.
Salary for Specialized Radiologic Technologists
Here’s where things get really interesting. Techs who specialize in high-demand fields often command salaries north of $90,000. For example:
MRI Technologists: $80,000 – $95,000
CT Technologists: $75,000 – $90,000
Interventional Radiology: $85,000 – $100,000+
Radiology Managers: $95,000 – $120,000
Specializing not only increases your salary but also opens doors to new opportunities like teaching, department leadership, or corporate training roles.
Radiology Tech Salary by Location
Top-Paying States
Location plays a massive role in how much a radiology tech can earn. Here are the top five highest-paying states for radiologic technologists, based on recent BLS data:
State Average Salary
California $95,000
Hawaii $88,000
Massachusetts $85,000
Oregon $84,000
Alaska $83,000
California consistently ranks #1, thanks to its high demand, cost of living, and large healthcare networks. Many radiology techs relocate to the West Coast to cash in on better pay, despite the higher living costs.
Low-Paying Regions and Why
On the flip side, some southern and midwestern states pay significantly less, with average salaries ranging from $55,000 to $65,000. These include:
Mississippi
Arkansas
West Virginia
Kentucky
Alabama
Why the gap? In general, these areas have a lower cost of living, fewer urban hospitals, and less demand for advanced imaging procedures. However, the lower salary can still stretch further in those states due to cheaper housing and living expenses.
Urban vs. Rural Salary Comparison
Urban hospitals and clinics typically pay more than rural counterparts, not only because of the cost of living but also due to demand and patient volume. For example, a tech working in New York City or Los Angeles may earn $10,000–$20,000 more than someone in a rural area of the same state.
Still, rural areas often offer unique benefits like:
Less competition for jobs
Sign-on bonuses
Relocation packages
Greater autonomy in the role