State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026): Data, Outlook & How to Become One
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $80,110 per year ($38.52/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 4.3% through 2034, with about 12,900 openings a year (BLS EP, 2024–2034). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
SOC 29-2034Healthcare Practitioners and TechnicalLast updated August 23, 2026
- Median pay
- $80,110
- Projected growth
- +4.3%
- Openings a year
- 12,900
- Typical education
- Associate's
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Also advertised as: Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech), Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Imaging Technologist (Imaging Tech), Mammographer, Radiographer, Radiologic Technologist (RT).
How much do Radiologic Technologists and Technicians make?
10th percentile$55,980
Entry / lowest-paid tenth
25th percentile$64,810
Lower quartile
Median (50th)$80,110
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile$98,750
Upper quartile
90th percentile$118,660
Top-paid tenth
| Median annual wage | $80,110 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $38.52/hr |
| Mean annual wage | $83,840 |
| People employed | 230,490 |
Versus all US occupations
At $80,110, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians earn 57% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $29,130 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
Inside the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $97,870, this is 18% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $118,660 or more while the bottom 10% earn $55,980, a gap of 2.1×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 66% of the 923 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
California pays the most at $121,260, and still leads at $109,520 once local prices are taken into account.
Which states pay Radiologic Technologists and Technicians the most?
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $121,260 | $109,520 | 20,900 |
| Massachusetts | $103,620 | $97,979 | 5,500 |
| District of Columbia | $102,770 | $93,511 | 660 |
| Oregon | $102,290 | $98,964 | 2,700 |
| Washington | $102,090 | $95,400 | 4,130 |
| Hawaii | $101,700 | $92,496 | 690 |
| Alaska | $98,920 | $96,640 | 370 |
| New York | $98,470 | $91,243 | 13,450 |
| New Jersey | $95,000 | $87,312 | 6,320 |
| Vermont | $94,540 | $96,511 | 470 |
Is Radiologic Technologist and Technician a growing career?
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians4.3%
All US occupations3.1%
+4.3% projected growth vs 3.1% for all occupations.
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Radiologic Technologists and Technicians to change 4.3% over 2024–2034, against 3.1% projected for all occupations. That is 9,800 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 12,900 openings are projected each year, 5.7% of the 228,000 jobs that existed in 2024. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The growing size of the older population and the rising prevalence of chronic disease will lead to greater demand for healthcare services, including diagnostic procedures. More radiologic and MRI technologists will be needed to perform the imaging exams that are essential for making diagnoses and creating treatment plans.
Falls and associated injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, are common in older people and require x rays or computed tomography (CT) scans to assess the extent of harm. In addition, MRI scans are useful for imaging various types of cancers, including of the brain, spine, and liver. As the number of falls and cancer cases rises, these technologists and technicians will be needed to operate the equipment that helps detect, assess, and diagnose these injuries and diseases.
How to become a Radiologic Technologist and Technician
Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, and requirements vary by state. The usual route is an associate degree plus an ARRT-approved educational program in radiography, then the ARRT certification exam; employers typically require or prefer certified technologists even where the state does not.
The credential path, step by step
- Complete an ARRT-approved educational program in radiography
The program must be in the same discipline as the credential you are pursuing, and you must demonstrate the didactic and clinical competencies ARRT specifies. Your program director confirms to ARRT that you met the requirements. JRCERT is the only U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor for radiography programs.
- Earn an associate degree or higher
ARRT requires an associate (or more advanced) degree from an institution accredited by an ARRT-recognized agency before you take the examination. The degree does not have to be in the radiologic sciences and can be earned before or after the radiologic sciences program.
- Meet ARRT's ethics requirement
Ethics is one of ARRT's three initial requirements alongside education and examination; ARRT reviews criminal and professional conduct history, with a preapplication route for candidates with a potential violation.
- Pass the ARRT certification examination in Radiography
You have three years after completing your educational program to establish eligibility and apply for ARRT certification and registration.
- Obtain a state license where your state requires one
More than 75% of states have licensing laws covering radiologic technology. You apply to the state directly and must meet that state's own requirements, which are separate from ARRT's. Some states require ARRT certification as a condition of the license; some administer ARRT-written exams for licensing purposes.
- Keep the credential current
Report 24 approved continuing education credits every two-year biennium to maintain ARRT certification and registration.
Exams you have to pass
ARRT certification examination in Radiography
The final of ARRT's three initial requirements (education, ethics, examination). It measures the knowledge of the daily tasks an entry-level medical imaging professional performs, following ARRT's published content specifications. ARRT also develops and administers separate exams used purely for state licensing, including Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography and Fluoroscopy.
Administered by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- Program accreditation
JRCERT · Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for accrediting educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. Note the distinction: ARRT's own requirement is that you complete an 'ARRT-approved educational program' and hold a degree from an institution accredited by an ARRT-recognized agency; BLS says only that some states require candidates for licensure to complete an accredited program. Programmatic accreditation is therefore the standard route rather than a single universal legal requirement.
- How long the training takes
An associate degree is the education typically required. ARRT requires an associate degree or higher, from an institution accredited by an ARRT-recognized agency, before you can sit its examination.
Postsecondary programs also lead to graduate certificates or bachelor's degrees in healthcare and related fields and in science technologies.
- Continuing education
Required to stay credentialed
ARRT requires most Registered Technologists to earn and report 24 approved continuing education credits each two-year biennium, regardless of how many ARRT credentials they hold. Credits cannot be carried forward from one biennium to the next. State license renewal carries separate requirements.
Licensing and state variation
Licensed state by state
Most, but not all, states license or certify radiologic technologists. ARRT states that more than 75% of states have licensing laws covering the practice of radiologic technology; in those states you must hold the state license before you can work. Some but not all of those states require ARRT certification and registration as a condition of licensure, and requirements otherwise vary. Earning an ARRT credential does not by itself make you eligible to work in a particular state. Contact the state's health board. Note also that few states require licensure specifically for MRI technologists.
Who governs the credential
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) — The national credentialing organization for medical imaging and radiation therapy: it sets the education, ethics, and examination requirements for certification and registration, administers the exams, and runs continuing education requirements. Many states use ARRT exam scores and credentials when making licensing decisions, and many ask ARRT to administer their state licensing exams.
Credential detail for radiologic technologist and technicians is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Radiologic and MRI Technologists · checked August 23, 2026
- ARRT — State Licensing · checked August 23, 2026
- ARRT — Education Requirements, Primary Eligibility Pathway · checked August 23, 2026
- ARRT — Initial Requirements for Earning ARRT Credentials · checked August 23, 2026
- ARRT — Biennial CE Requirements · checked August 23, 2026
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology — home page · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. MRI technologists may start out as radiologic technologists. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.
| Typical entry-level education | Associate's degree |
|---|---|
| Preparation needed (O*NET job zone) | Some preparation |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as radiologic technologists and technicians.
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)72.9%
- Post-Secondary Certificate16.5%
- Bachelor's Degree10.6%
What does a Radiologic Technologist and Technician do?
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
Day-to-day tasks
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
- Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
- Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill or injured patients or patients with disabilities.
- Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight.
Where the work happens
- Indoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day
Working with people
- Constant contact with other people
- Face-to-face discussions every day
- Dealing with customers or the public is very important
Autonomy
- A lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey, showing only the signals people in the job report decisively one way or the other.
Where radiologic technologists and technicians work
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 59% |
|---|---|
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 17% |
| Offices of physicians | 13% |
| Outpatient care centers | 3% |
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition.
Core skills
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Reading Comprehension3.5/5
- Speaking3.5/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Writing3.0/5
- Active Learning2.9/5
- Learning Strategies2.8/5
Transferable skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.6/5
- Service Orientation3.5/5
- Operation and Control3.3/5
- Coordination3.1/5
- Operations Monitoring3.1/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Time Management3.0/5
Tools and software
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Medical software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Categorization or classification software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Information retrieval or search software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
What personality type suits a Radiologic Technologist and Technician?
Interest profile: O*NET Occupational Interests, scored 1–7
Realisticprimary5.9
Investigativeprimary4.9
Artistic1.0
Social3.4
Enterprising1.0
Conventionalprimary5.1
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician: frequently asked questions
How much do Radiologic Technologists and Technicians make?
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $80,110 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 57% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $38.52/hr. The middle half earn between $64,810 and $98,750. The top 10% earn $118,660 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Radiologic Technologist and Technician?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 72.9% hold associate's degree (or other 2-year degree).
Is Radiologic Technologist and Technician a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4.3% over 2024–2034, faster than the 3.1% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2024–2034). BLS still projects about 12,900 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Radiologic Technologist and Technician do?
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. A core O*NET task: position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician. Employers most often ask for Electronic mail software, Medical software, Object or component oriented development software.
Which states pay Radiologic Technologists and Technicians the most?
The highest state medians for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians are California ($121,260), Massachusetts ($103,620), District of Columbia ($102,770) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Radiologic Technologist and Technician?
O*NET scores Radiologic Technologists and Technicians highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 923 occupations in the bank.
How long does it take to become a Radiologic Technologist and Technician?
An associate degree is the education typically required. ARRT requires an associate degree or higher, from an institution accredited by an ARRT-recognized agency, before you can sit its examination. Postsecondary programs also lead to graduate certificates or bachelor's degrees in healthcare and related fields and in science technologies.
Do you need a license to work as a Radiologic Technologist and Technician?
Yes, and it is issued by the state you work in, not nationally. Most, but not all, states license or certify radiologic technologists. ARRT states that more than 75% of states have licensing laws covering the practice of radiologic technology; in those states you must hold the state license before you can work. Some but not all of those states require ARRT certification and registration as a condition of licensure, and requirements otherwise vary. Earning an ARRT credential does not by itself make you eligible to work in a particular state. Contact the state's health board. Note also that few states require licensure specifically for MRI technologists.
What exams do you have to pass to become a Radiologic Technologist and Technician?
The ARRT certification examination in Radiography. The final of ARRT's three initial requirements (education, ethics, examination). It measures the knowledge of the daily tasks an entry-level medical imaging professional performs, following ARRT's published content specifications. ARRT also develops and administers separate exams used purely for state licensing, including Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography and Fluoroscopy.