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By: Andrew Colucci, MD
Last Updated: Jun 29, 2021
What Does a Radiology Technician Do?
Radiology technicians produce clear and accurate images of the body, enabling physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions that would otherwise be difficult to document. Technicians operate sophisticated equipment that includes X-ray, mammography, computerized axial tomography (CAT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scan devices. By guiding patients through each step of their medical imaging procedures, these specialists ensure the production of high quality images.
Technicians prepare patients by explaining each step of the medical imaging process. They also play an important role in assuaging the anxieties of patients who may be concerned about the procedure. After instructing patients to remove jewelry, clothing, or other items that could interfere with the equipment, radiology technicians position them correctly and protect them from overexposure. For example, they cover parts of the body not being filmed with lead aprons. Occasionally they inject barium- and iodine-based contrast agents to improve image quality.
After focusing the equipment and capturing the images on digital file or film, radiology technicians review the results of their work with radiologists, and take additional views when necessary. A radiology technician may also be responsible for updating patient records and maintaining the imaging equipment itself.
Radiologic technologists are radiology technicians who have progressed through continued education and training or those who acquired additional training and education before entering the field. Many radiology technologists specialize in a particular diagnostic test, such as mammography, and those with more than one specialty are considered highly desirable by employers. Regardless of the level of training - technician or technologist - or specialization, the precision work of these professionals enables physicians to diagnose and treat a wide variety of health concerns with accuracy and confidence.
Workplace Details
Radiology technicians work in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, private physician offices or even mobile imaging service centers. While hospitals remain the leading job providers, they also tend to be much busier than outpatient settings. A radiology technician typically works a standard 40-hour week, but some positions require on-call night or weekend work.
Salary and Job Outlook
State
Average Wage
California
$95010
Texas
$60680
New York
$73150
Florida
$57600
Pennsylvania
$56440
Hover over any state to explore local income and job growth data.
ALABAMA
Median Salary:$46,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$32,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$62,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:9%
Projected Annual Job Openings:100
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Birmingham | $36,200 | $50,370 | $67,050 |
| Huntsville | $23,650 | $47,020 | $72,320 |
ALASKA
Median Salary:$70,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$52,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$91,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:13%
Projected Annual Job Openings:10
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Anchorage | $51,610 | $71,920 | $93,510 |
| Fairbanks | $51,840 | $67,480 | $76,620 |
ARIZONA
Median Salary:$60,900
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$40,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$85,100
2014-2024 Job Growth:15%
Projected Annual Job Openings:170
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Phoenix | $40,130 | $63,380 | $88,510 |
| Tuscon | $39,630 | $56,020 | $73,990 |
ARKANSAS
Median Salary:$46,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$32,900
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$68,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:10%
Projected Annual Job Openings:50
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Little Rock | $33,660 | $49,600 | $74,790 |
| Fort Smith | $29,400 | $43,520 | $60,450 |
CALIFORNIA
Median Salary:$75,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$41,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$115,700
2014-2024 Job Growth:14%
Projected Annual Job Openings:540
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Los Angeles | $38,620 | $70,050 | $101,940 |
| San Francisco Bay | $44,650 | $95,520 | $127,830 |
| San Diego | $38,570 | $69,410 | $98,900 |
| Sacramento | $52,820 | $90,720 | $116,920 |
COLORADO
Median Salary:$60,800
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$42,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$87,700
2014-2024 Job Growth:33%
Projected Annual Job Openings:140
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Denver | $43,420 | $63,450 | $90,620 |
| Colorado Springs | $42,530 | $57,690 | $77,910 |
CONNECTICUT
Median Salary:$63,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$44,900
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$89,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:-1%
Projected Annual Job Openings:40
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Hartford | $49,700 | $65,090 | $88,400 |
| Bridgeport | $44,880 | $63,120 | $91,480 |
| New Haven | $43,350 | $61,780 | $89,700 |
DELAWARE
Median Salary:$58,700
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$43,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$79,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:8%
Projected Annual Job Openings:20
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Wilmington | $44,010 | $59,560 | $78,480 |
| Dover | $50,060 | $60,890 | $76,750 |
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Median Salary:$75,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$53,800
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$98,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:3%
Projected Annual Job Openings:10
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Washington DC | $49,370 | $68,120 | $95,100 |
FLORIDA
Median Salary:$51,300
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$34,000
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$72,100
2014-2024 Job Growth:20%
Projected Annual Job Openings:500
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Miami | $33,760 | $50,970 | $74,750 |
| Orlando | $32,600 | $47,370 | $63,540 |
| Tampa | $33,790 | $53,920 | $71,590 |
| Jacksonville | $32,180 | $50,550 | $73,570 |
GEORGIA
Median Salary:$50,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$36,000
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$71,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:15%
Projected Annual Job Openings:170
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Atlanta | $39,370 | $53,660 | $73,300 |
| Augusta | $39,040 | $51,730 | $65,630 |
HAWAII
Median Salary:$69,900
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$49,600
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$91,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:3%
Projected Annual Job Openings:20
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Honolulu | $53,330 | $72,210 | $92,870 |
IDAHO
Median Salary:$50,900
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$39,300
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$69,300
2014-2024 Job Growth:10%
Projected Annual Job Openings:220
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Boise | $39,630 | $50,510 | $69,430 |
ILLINOIS
Median Salary:$59,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$37,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$85,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:2%
Projected Annual Job Openings:150
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Chicago | $38,960 | $62,770 | $88,140 |
| Rockford | $36,030 | $54,480 | $81,490 |
INDIANA
Median Salary:$53,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$39,500
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$74,600
2014-2024 Job Growth:10%
Projected Annual Job Openings:130
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Indianapolis | $42,360 | $57,310 | $77,580 |
| South Bend | $41,010 | $48,960 | $64,950 |
| Fort Wayne | $36,990 | $52,050 | $71,670 |
IOWA
Median Salary:$48,800
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$35,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$66,100
2014-2024 Job Growth:7%
Projected Annual Job Openings:70
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Des Moines | $41,180 | $53,480 | $73,900 |
| Cedar Rapids | $19,840 | $42,970 | $61,230 |
KANSAS
Median Salary:$49,900
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$37,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$66,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:8%
Projected Annual Job Openings:50
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Wichita | $36,300 | $47,640 | $61,660 |
| Kansas City | $40,550 | $54,180 | $73,770 |
KENTUCKY
Median Salary:$49,200
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$34,600
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$65,800
2014-2024 Job Growth:21%
Projected Annual Job Openings:210
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Louisville | $34,960 | $51,820 | $67,320 |
| Lexington | $34,370 | $48,620 | $65,590 |
LOUISIANA
Median Salary:$46,900
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$32,500
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$62,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:7%
Projected Annual Job Openings:80
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| New Orleans | $39,470 | $52,430 | $68,200 |
| Baton Rouge | $35,430 | $47,820 | $68,100 |
| Lafayette | $31,940 | $43,600 | $58,500 |
MAINE
Median Salary:$55,600
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$41,800
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$74,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:3%
Projected Annual Job Openings:20
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Portland | $40,890 | $55,210 | $75,460 |
| Lewiston | $39,390 | $55,850 | $71,290 |
MARYLAND
Median Salary:$63,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$43,600
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$86,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:18%
Projected Annual Job Openings:200
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Baltimore | $42,240 | $63,200 | $82,000 |
| Frederick | $44,320 | $66,510 | $97,960 |
MASSACHUSETTS
Median Salary:$70,700
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$49,400
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$98,700
2014-2024 Job Growth:8%
Projected Annual Job Openings:130
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Boston | $50,820 | $73,480 | $100,000 |
| Worcester | $54,160 | $80,280 | $111,930 |
| Springfield | $38,230 | $57,670 | $78,250 |
MICHIGAN
Median Salary:$52,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$39,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$70,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:4%
Projected Annual Job Openings:150
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Detroit | $40,490 | $54,130 | $72,240 |
| Grand Rapids | $39,930 | $48,200 | $62,250 |
MINNESOTA
Median Salary:$62,900
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$45,500
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$79,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:11%
Projected Annual Job Openings:120
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Minneapolis - St. Paul | $47,570 | $64,280 | $79,190 |
| Rochester | $51,650 | $68,610 | $92,200 |
MISSISSIPPI
Median Salary:$46,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$32,600
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$62,300
2014-2024 Job Growth:5%
Projected Annual Job Openings:50
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Jackson | $30,780 | $47,350 | $63,700 |
| Gulfport | $36,100 | $49,770 | $66,610 |
MISSOURI
Median Salary:$50,300
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$36,800
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$70,300
2014-2024 Job Growth:5%
Projected Annual Job Openings:90
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| St. Louis | $38,860 | $51,500 | $72,560 |
| Kansas City | $40,550 | $54,180 | $73,770 |
MONTANA
Median Salary:$51,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$38,300
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$72,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:13%
Projected Annual Job Openings:30
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Billings | $37,020 | $50,460 | $69,730 |
| Missoula | $40,400 | $53,590 | $73,270 |
NEBRASKA
Median Salary:$52,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$36,900
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$70,700
2014-2024 Job Growth:11%
Projected Annual Job Openings:60
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Omaha | $37,070 | $53,290 | $70,100 |
| Lincoln | $34,600 | $47,820 | $62,240 |
NEVADA
Median Salary:$66,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$46,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$97,000
2014-2024 Job Growth:17%
Projected Annual Job Openings:50
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Las Vegas | $45,790 | $65,710 | $100,020 |
| Reno | $43,720 | $65,190 | $79,730 |
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Median Salary:$62,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$44,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$82,800
2014-2024 Job Growth:4%
Projected Annual Job Openings:20
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Manchester | $45,070 | $63,420 | $80,810 |
| Nashua | $45,240 | $67,730 | $92,480 |
NEW JERSEY
Median Salary:$65,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$47,500
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$84,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:5%
Projected Annual Job Openings:140
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Newark | $50,610 | $66,780 | $86,010 |
| Trenton | $52,920 | $66,760 | $84,000 |
NEW MEXICO
Median Salary:$57,600
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$42,300
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$77,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:8%
Projected Annual Job Openings:30
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Albuquerque | $45,990 | $60,090 | $77,690 |
| Las Cruces | $22,730 | $50,740 | $75,510 |
NEW YORK
Median Salary:$66,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$44,900
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$92,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:9%
Projected Annual Job Openings:400
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| New York City | $48,180 | $69,940 | $95,630 |
| Buffalo | $40,860 | $57,120 | $74,720 |
| Rochester | $40,510 | $51,650 | $68,640 |
| Albany | $42,260 | $57,140 | $76,260 |
NORTH CAROLINA
Median Salary:$54,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$40,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$74,300
2014-2024 Job Growth:16%
Projected Annual Job Openings:250
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Charlotte | $40,770 | $54,710 | $73,310 |
| Raleigh | $39,640 | $56,070 | $74,860 |
| Greensboro | $41,990 | $56,650 | $75,760 |
| Winston - Salem | $42,430 | $55,770 | $74,680 |
NORTH DAKOTA
Median Salary:$49,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$35,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$63,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:14%
Projected Annual Job Openings:10
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Fargo | $37,770 | $49,630 | $62,930 |
| Bismarck | $34,320 | $48,500 | $71,250 |
OHIO
Median Salary:$53,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$38,900
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$69,100
2014-2024 Job Growth:10%
Projected Annual Job Openings:260
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Cleveland | $40,670 | $55,110 | $71,270 |
| Columbus | $41,830 | $55,520 | $75,110 |
| Cincinnati | $35,990 | $53,140 | $70,940 |
| Dayton | $37,130 | $53,930 | $63,920 |
OKLAHOMA
Median Salary:$49,900
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$35,300
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$74,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:5%
Projected Annual Job Openings:60
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Oklahoma City | $37,580 | $52,590 | $74,090 |
| Tulsa | $33,300 | $47,730 | $66,090 |
OREGON
Median Salary:$66,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$48,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$89,300
2014-2024 Job Growth:12%
Projected Annual Job Openings:60
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Portland | $51,060 | $68,750 | $92,180 |
| Salem | $41,860 | $60,030 | $82,950 |
PENNSYLVANIA
Median Salary:$55,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$36,900
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$77,800
2014-2024 Job Growth:4%
Projected Annual Job Openings:230
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Philadelphia | $40,300 | $62,950 | $80,770 |
| Pittsburgh | $34,970 | $48,790 | $67,310 |
| Harrisburg | $41,700 | $54,570 | $76,370 |
| Allentown | $44,310 | $58,990 | $88,440 |
RHODE ISLAND
Median Salary:$67,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$46,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$89,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:5%
Projected Annual Job Openings:20
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Providence | $47,530 | $68,380 | $91,980 |
SOUTH CAROLINA
Median Salary:$48,700
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$33,500
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$68,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:8%
Projected Annual Job Openings:90
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Greenville | $32,100 | $48,320 | $68,120 |
| Columbia | $31,060 | $47,430 | $66,460 |
| Charleston | $40,090 | $54,830 | $72,130 |
SOUTH DAKOTA
Median Salary:$47,600
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$34,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$62,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:4%
Projected Annual Job Openings:20
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Rapid City | $34,650 | $48,470 | $62,940 |
TENNESSEE
Median Salary:$49,600
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$34,600
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$67,100
2014-2024 Job Growth:25%
Projected Annual Job Openings:220
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Nashville | $36,380 | $51,840 | $70,430 |
| Memphis | $39,600 | $54,450 | $71,790 |
| Knoxville | $33,800 | $45,880 | $60,410 |
| Chattanooga | $38,760 | $54,430 | $73,020 |
TEXAS
Median Salary:$55,400
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$37,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$76,200
2014-2024 Job Growth:25%
Projected Annual Job Openings:670
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Dallas - Ft. Worth | $41,150 | $59,520 | $79,380 |
| Houston | $41,120 | $57,450 | $75,630 |
| San Antonio | $38,760 | $54,430 | $73,020 |
| Austin | $34,500 | $54,080 | $75,670 |
UTAH
Median Salary:$53,000
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$40,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$74,800
2014-2024 Job Growth:23%
Projected Annual Job Openings:60
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Salt Lake City | $40,910 | $52,620 | $74,460 |
| Ogden | $37,990 | $51,910 | $74,070 |
VERMONT
Median Salary:$57,300
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$42,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$79,900
2014-2024 Job Growth:3%
Projected Annual Job Openings:10
VIRGINIA
Median Salary:$55,800
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$38,400
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$79,100
2014-2024 Job Growth:12%
Projected Annual Job Openings:160
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Virginia Beach | $41,370 | $54,050 | $74,580 |
| Richmond | $40,240 | $54,780 | $75,430 |
WASHINGTON
Median Salary:$65,800
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$50,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$91,500
2014-2024 Job Growth:19%
Projected Annual Job Openings:160
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Seattle | $52,680 | $68,750 | $93,380 |
| Spokane | $44,930 | $63,920 | $87,310 |
WEST VIRGINIA
Median Salary:$45,800
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$30,700
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$62,100
2014-2024 Job Growth:8%
Projected Annual Job Openings:40
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Huntington | $35,270 | $49,610 | $69,800 |
| Charleston | $30,350 | $46,170 | $61,630 |
WISCONSIN
Median Salary:$55,500
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$41,200
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$75,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:2%
Projected Annual Job Openings:90
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Milwaukee | $41,990 | $57,850 | $78,740 |
| Madison | $31,450 | $55,940 | $74,180 |
WYOMING
Median Salary:$50,100
Bottom 10% (Entry Level):$37,100
Top 10% (Lots of Experience):$69,400
2014-2024 Job Growth:12%
Projected Annual Job Openings:10
SALARY BY METRO AREA:
| City | Entry Level | Median | Lots of Experience |
| Cheyenne | $35,910 | $49,270 | $64,420 |
| Casper | $23,800 | $44,170 | $65,780 |
The current median annual wage for radiologic technologists is $61,900, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries typically range from $42,180 (the median of the bottom 10% of earners) to $92,660 (the median of the top 10%).
Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories generally pay higher levels of compensation than physicians’ offices. Technicians with certification to handle more equipment and machines are paid more generously than those who do not have additional training and experience. Radiology tech salaries also vary depending on geographical location and employer type. For example, radiology tech jobs in metropolitan areas and medical diagnostic laboratories often pay higher salaries than radiology tech jobs in rural areas and physician’s offices.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for radiologic technologists will rise faster than average at 7% through 2029.
Compare Salaries by City
10th Percentile
50th Percentile
90th Percentile
New York City NY Median Pay
$69940 Per Year
$33.62 Per Hour
Los Angeles CA Median Pay
$70050 Per Year
$33.67 Per Hour
Steps to Become a Radiology Technician
1
Earn an associate or bachelor's degree in radiologic technology.
In the past, one- or two-year certificate programs were available for radiology technicians, but today those certificate programs only provide a viable path for students who have already earned at least an associate degree in a different subject. Radiology techs are required to earn at minimum an associate degree, which takes two years to complete. This is the most popular path for aspiring radiology techs at this time. Programs are offered at almost all accredited community colleges and private (for-profit) institutions.
Some universities offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology. Admission to one of these programs comes with its own criteria specific to the school. Common coursework includes radiation physics, anatomy, pathology and radiobiology.
Most schools require a portion of the curriculum to be hands-on to give students valuable patient contact experience. Many radiologic technology programs are now also requiring coding or medical office courses, as some jobs will require those skills to be utilized in practice.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the official accrediting body for radiography training programs. It is very important to take a JRCERT-accredited training program because it will later qualify you for certification.
2
Get certified by ARRT.
Certification follows radiologic technology training and is awarded by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) after passing the certification exam. While certification isn’t mandatory for radiology technicians, it’s very difficult to get hired without it. Also, primary certification as a Registered Technologist, Radiography (RT(R)) is required for licensure in many states.
In addition to the educational requirements above, you’ll need to pass a background check and achieve a passing score on the certification exam in order to get your RT(R) credential from ARRT. To maintain ARRT-certified status, 24 hours of continuing education every two years is required.
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Become licensed.
Most states require radiology technicians to secure a license. Requirements differ in each state. Some states use ARRT exams for licensing, but you should contact the relevant state’s health board for more information.
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Consider opportunities to advance your career.
Radiology technicians are frequently “technologists-in-training.” A technologist candidate is eligible to seek certification after meeting experience and training requirements obtained as a technician. Certified radiology technologists may also be asked to train or manage entry-level technicians. Last but not least, numerous specializations within rad tech allow you to focus on a specialty of your choice and enhance your earning potential.
Exploring Degree Paths
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
2 years, not including prerequisites
If you already hold an associate degree or higher in any field, you can become a radiology technician by completing a radiography certificate program approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Once you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for your primary (entry-level) certification exam.
Most certificate programs have prerequisites. So if your degree is outside the medical field, you may need to take additional classes in anatomy and physiology, algebra, writing, medical terminology, and technology in order to qualify for admission.
Certificate coursework focuses on the skills you need to pass the certification exam and practice clinically as a radiology technician. A few subjects you’ll probably encounter:
Radiographic positioning
Practice positioning the body and extremities for diagnostic evaluation.
Radiographic physics
Study the properties and production of ionizing radiation through topics like energy, matter, atomic structure, and voltage.
Radiographic anatomy and physiology
Explore the body structures and functions most commonly studied on x-rays.
Basic radiographic techniques
Learn the principles of basic patient care that you will use during imaging studies.
As a radiography certificate student, you’ll also rotate through a variety of clinical settings where you’ll practice your skills under supervision.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE
2 years
The most common way to enter the radiology technician profession is to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in radiologic technology or radiography.
AAS programs can be found at community, technical, and career colleges and some 4-year colleges. To avoid certification hassles down the road, verify that the program you choose is approved by ARRT.
Some AAS programs require you to meet prerequisites before admission. (These will be similar to the prereqs for a certificate program.) Others roll these classes into the first-year of the curriculum. To learn more, check the admissions requirements for each school you’re considering.
The AAS-level radiography curriculum combines classes with supervised clinical practice in hospitals and imaging labs. Some topics you can expect to cover:
Radiation protection and biology
Examine how radiation affects living tissue, plus measures to protect patients and healthcare workers.
Advanced imaging
Get an introduction to modalities like mammography, bone density scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Pathology
Study how illness and injury change the body’s appearance and function.
Quality assurance
Learn processes that can help hospitals and labs improve and maintain their image quality.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE
4 years
Whether you’re already a practicing radiology technician or new to the field, there are several good reasons to consider getting a bachelor’s degree.
A 4-year degree provides a lot of advancement potential. With a bachelor’s, it’s much easier to become a lead technician, healthcare administrator, equipment sales manager, or clinical instructor.
A bachelor’s is also essential if you want to go onto graduate school. This is the typical pathway for techs who want to become college professors, conduct research, or train as radiologist assistants.
Bachelor’s-level students spend 2-3 years completing their radiology prerequisites and general education courses. (General education includes the humanities, physical education, foreign language, and other requirements common to all degrees.) They then spend 1-2 years taking radiology classes and rotating through clinical placements at hospitals and imaging laboratories.
The radiologic technology class sequence is similar to the certificate program curriculum. It covers:
Pharmacology
Learn to safely administer contrasting agents and medications.
Digital imaging
Study how modern x-ray machines convert ionizing radiation into on-screen pictures.
Magnetic resonance imaging
Gain a deeper understanding of the science behind MRI, plus explore scanning protocols and techniques.
Teaching strategies
Develop skills you need to become an effective clinical instructor of radiographic technology.
Keys to Success as a Radiology Technician
Necessary Skills and Qualities
Attention to detail
A focus on detail and ability to adhere to procedure are essential to success as a radiology technician.
Physical strength
You will need this in order to position patients and, at times, to lift them onto examination tables.
Interpersonal skills
As with health care professionals in general, empathy, cultural sensitivity, solid communication and high ethical standards are necessary.
Additional Credentials
This field presents many opportunities for advancement through specialization. In addition to primary RT(R) certification, ARRT offers 11 post-primary certifications for radiology technicians, listed below. Candidates must meet structured education and clinical experience requirements and pass an exam.
- Mammography
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Quality Management
- Bone Densitometry
- Cardiac Interventional Radiography
- Vascular Interventional Radiography
- Sonography
- Vascular Sonography
- Breast Sonography
- Radiologist Assistant
- Becoming a Sonographer
- How to Become a Radiologist