Radiologic technologists earn a median annual salary of approximately $67,180, or about $32.30 per hour, according to 2024 BLS data for SOC 29-2034 (Radiologic Technologists and Technicians).
This places radiology technology among the well-compensated allied health professions that typically require a two-year associate degree and national certification, without the extended training of nursing or medicine.
The occupation is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, with strong annual opening volume expected as the profession responds to an aging population and expanding imaging needs.
Certifications from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), additional modality certifications (CT, MRI, mammography, fluoroscopy), and geographic location are primary factors influencing radiology tech earnings.
For related imaging career salaries, compare the sonographer salary, X-ray tech salary, and radiologist salary.
Radiology Tech Salary Overview (2026)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034) earned a median annual wage of approximately $67,180 as of 2024 BLS data. The median hourly rate was approximately $32.30.
The median represents the midpoint of all reported wages — half of radiology techs earn more and half earn less.
The mean (average) may be pulled higher by experienced technologists in high-wage states or those holding additional modality certifications.
The table below shows the estimated wage distribution for radiologic technologists based on 2024 BLS data:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | ~$47,000 | ~$22.60 |
| 25th | ~$55,000 | ~$26.44 |
| 50th (Median) | ~$67,180 | ~$32.30 |
| 75th | ~$83,000 | ~$39.90 |
| 90th | ~$100,000 | ~$48.08 |
To see exactly how wages like $32 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $32 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Radiology Tech Pay by Experience Level
Experience is a consistent driver of radiology tech compensation.
New graduates entering their first positions typically earn at or near the lower end of the pay scale.
As technologists accumulate years of experience, pursue additional modality certifications, and take on lead or chief tech responsibilities, their earnings tend to increase.
Travel radiology tech positions — which pay premium rates — often require a minimum of 1–2 years of staff experience.
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $47,000 – $58,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–8 years) | $60,000 – $78,000 |
| Senior / Lead (9+ years or multi-modality) | $78,000 – $105,000+ |
These are estimates based on 2024 BLS data. Travel assignment positions may substantially increase total compensation above these ranges for qualifying technologists.
Modality and Certification Differences
Radiology techs who hold primary certification in Radiography (R) from the ARRT may pursue additional post-primary certifications in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography (M), Fluoroscopy, Cardiac-Interventional Radiography (CI), or Vascular-Interventional Radiography (VI).
Each additional modality certification may qualify a technologist for higher-paying positions and expand their employability.
CT and MRI technologists — who operate more complex equipment — typically earn above the general radiologic technologist median.
Interventional and cardiovascular techs may earn more still, reflecting the procedural and often emergency nature of their work.
Radiology Tech Salary by State and Region
Geographic location meaningfully affects radiology tech compensation.
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, states such as California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts tend to report higher median wages for radiologic technologists.
The cost of living in California is a significant factor — while nominal wages are higher, purchasing power must be assessed relative to housing and living costs.
States in the South and rural areas may report median wages closer to $52,000–$62,000; the cost of living in Florida or Texas may make those salaries more financially viable than comparable pay on the coast.
Travel radiology tech positions — where ARRT-certified technologists take 13-week contracts at facilities with staffing needs — can be found across the country and typically pay above permanent staff rates, with tax-free housing and meal stipends adding significantly to total compensation.
Technologists who accept travel assignments in underserved or high-demand markets may earn the equivalent of $90,000–$110,000 annually in total compensation.
Factors That Affect Radiology Tech Pay
Radiology tech compensation is influenced by modality certifications, work setting, shift differential, and willingness to travel.
Modality Certifications
Additional ARRT certifications in CT, MRI, mammography, or interventional radiology expand a technologist's scope of practice and typically support higher wages.
Employers often pay a differential for each additional modality certification held.
MRI and CT technologists are consistently reported as earning above the median for general radiography-only techs.
Work Setting
Hospital-employed radiology techs may receive comprehensive benefits — including health insurance, retirement contributions, and shift differentials for evening, night, and weekend work — that supplement base pay.
Outpatient imaging centers and physician offices may offer different pay structures.
Mobile radiology companies and facilities serving nursing homes may offer distinct compensation arrangements.
Emergency and on-call work typically carries a shift premium above base pay.
Shift Differentials
Evening, overnight, and weekend shifts typically carry differentials of 10%–20% or more above the base hourly rate at hospital employers.
Radiology techs who regularly work off-peak shifts may effectively earn significantly more than their base hourly rate suggests when annual shift differential pay is included.
Travel Assignments
Travel radiology techs who accept 13-week contract positions at hospitals facing temporary staffing shortages may earn substantially above the permanent staff median.
Total compensation for travel positions typically includes a higher base rate plus tax-free housing and meal stipends.
Travel work requires flexibility and comfort with frequent relocation, and benefits continuity between assignments is typically the traveler's responsibility.
Radiology Tech Career Outlook
The employment outlook for radiology techs is positive.
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
The BLS attributes growth to an aging U.S. population with increasing diagnostic imaging needs, expanded use of imaging in preventive care, and growth of imaging services in outpatient settings.
The aging of the baby boomer population — with higher rates of cancer screening, cardiovascular disease monitoring, and orthopedic imaging — is expected to drive sustained demand for radiologic services and the technologists who perform them through the late 2020s and into the 2030s.
As of 2026, shortages of credentialed radiology techs — particularly in CT, MRI, and interventional radiology — in many markets continue to support favorable hiring conditions and upward wage pressure in those specialty modalities.
Radiology techs should apply salary negotiation strategies when moving between permanent and travel assignments, and maximize retirement savings through a Roth IRA or employer-sponsored plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for a radiology tech?
According to 2024 BLS data, radiologic technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2034) earned a median annual wage of approximately $67,180, or about $32.30 per hour.
Modality certifications, geographic location, work setting, and shift type are primary factors that affect where an individual technologist falls relative to the median.
Do CT or MRI technologists earn more than general radiology techs?
Yes, typically.
CT and MRI technologists — who hold ARRT post-primary certifications in those modalities — generally earn above the median for general radiographic technologists.
The additional training required and greater equipment complexity associated with these modalities support above-median wages in most markets.
How much do travel radiology techs earn?
Travel radiology techs who accept 13-week contracts typically earn more than permanent staff through a combination of higher base rates and tax-free housing and meal stipends.
Total compensation for travel assignments can range from $80,000 to over $110,000 annually in equivalent terms, depending on market demand and modality.
Actual rates vary by location and specialty.
What certifications do radiology techs need?
Primary ARRT certification in Radiography (R) is the standard entry-level credential for radiology techs.
Additional post-primary ARRT certifications in CT, MRI, Mammography, Cardiac-Interventional Radiography, or Vascular-Interventional Radiography expand practice scope and may support higher wages.
Many states also require a state license in addition to ARRT certification.
What is the job growth outlook for radiology techs?
The BLS projects 6% employment growth for radiologic technologists from 2022 to 2032, faster than the national average.
Growth is driven by an aging population with increasing imaging needs, expanded preventive screening, and the movement of imaging services to outpatient settings.
CT, MRI, and interventional tech shortages in many markets support favorable hiring conditions as of 2026.
For the broader imaging salary landscape, compare the ultrasound tech salary and the cardiac sonographer salary to understand the range of compensation available across imaging specialties.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2034). May 2024. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Radiologic and MRI Technologists. 2024–2025 Edition. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Radiologic Technologists (29-2034.01). National Center for O*NET Development. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2034.01
Last updated: April 27, 2026