Radiologic Technologist Salaries: Imaging Careers Pay Well

Radiologic technologists operate X-ray, CT, MRI, and other imaging equipment to help physicians diagnose and treat patients. An associate's degree plus ARRT certification creates the standard credential pathway — making this one of the better-paying healthcare roles accessible without a four-year degree.

National Wage Overview

Radiologic tech wages sit above the workforce median despite the two-year education path, reflecting the specialized technical skills required and the clinical setting demands. Browse wages in the Healthcare Practitioners group.

Modality Matters

Base radiologic tech training covers X-ray. Additional certifications in CT, MRI, mammography, and fluoroscopy add both skill and earning potential. MRI technologists and CT technologists typically earn above the general radiologic tech median. Nuclear medicine technologists — a separate BLS category — earn even more.

Highest-Paying States

California ranks highest for radiologic technologist wages by a large margin. Hawaii, Alaska, and Massachusetts also rank in the top tier. The California premium reflects both high cost of living and strong healthcare union presence.

Compare to Related Roles

Compare radiologic tech wages to LPN wages and physical therapist wages for a full picture of the healthcare earnings spectrum across credential levels.