Quick answer
Radiologic technologists earn a median salary of $77,660 per year ($37.34 per hour) according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Pay ranges from $46,850 at the 10th percentile to $106,990 at the 90th percentile, depending on experience, location, work setting, and whether you hold additional specialty certifications.
Radiologic technologist salary at a glance
| Percentile | Annual salary | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry-level) | $46,850 | ~$22.52 |
| 50th (median) | $77,660 | $37.34 |
| 90th (top earners) | $106,990 | ~$51.44 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2024. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2034).
There are roughly 197,060 radiologic technologist jobs in the United States, with projected employment growth of 5% from 2024 to 2034.
What drives radiologic technologist pay differences
Four factors create the biggest salary swings for radiologic technologists:
Experience
Like most healthcare roles, radiologic technologist salaries climb steadily with experience. The gap between the 10th and 90th percentile — $60,140 — reflects the difference between a new grad and a senior tech with years of complex case experience. If you are early in your career, see our entry-level MRI technologist salary guide for a closer look at what to expect in your first years.
Location
State-level pay differences are significant. California leads at a median of $122,470 — nearly $45,000 above the national median. But cost of living matters: a $122,000 salary in San Jose does not stretch as far as $80,000 in a lower-cost market. Always weigh take-home pay against housing, taxes, and daily expenses before relocating for a higher number on paper.
Work setting
Hospital-based radiologic technologists generally earn more than those in outpatient imaging centers or physician offices. Hospitals offer shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays, plus broader benefits packages. Outpatient settings may offer more predictable hours as a trade-off.
Certifications and specialization
This is the factor most within your control. Adding a post-primary certification — particularly in MRI or CT — is the most direct path to higher pay. More on this below.
How radiologic technologist salary compares to MRI and CT technologists
Specialization into advanced modalities commands a measurable pay premium. Here is how the numbers compare:
| Role | Median salary | Difference from rad tech |
|---|---|---|
| Radiologic technologist | $77,660 | — |
| MRI technologist | ~$88,180 | +$10,520/year |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024. MRI Technologists (SOC 29-2035) vs Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2034).
The salary gap is widest at the entry level, where MRI technologists earn roughly $14,310 more than entry-level radiologic technologists. The premium reflects the additional training required, the complexity of MRI safety protocols, and the smaller talent pool of qualified MRI techs.
For a detailed side-by-side comparison, see our guide on MRI tech vs rad tech salary. If you are also weighing CT, our CT vs MRI technologist salary comparison breaks down the cross-modality differences.
How to increase your radiologic technologist salary
Add a specialty modality credential
The single highest-ROI move for most radiologic technologists is earning an MRI or CT post-primary certification through the ARRT. This opens the door to roles that pay $10,000 or more above general radiologic technologist positions at the median level.
MRI certification in particular is in strong demand. Facilities need technologists who understand MRI safety screening, contraindication protocols, and advanced imaging sequences — and they pay accordingly.
Move into a higher-paying setting or state
If you are working in a physician’s office or small outpatient clinic, transitioning to a hospital system can meaningfully increase your base pay. Similarly, relocating to a higher-paying state is an option — though you should calculate cost-of-living-adjusted take-home pay before committing to a move.
Pursue leadership or education roles
Senior technologists, lead techs, and imaging supervisors earn at the upper end of the salary range. Teaching positions at radiologic technology programs are another path, though they may trade some salary for schedule flexibility and professional satisfaction.
Job outlook for radiologic technologists
The BLS projects 5% growth for radiologic technologist employment from 2024 to 2034, in line with the average across all occupations. An aging population, expanded use of diagnostic imaging, and ongoing retirements in the existing workforce all contribute to steady demand.
Specialization strengthens your position further. Facilities that struggle to fill MRI and CT roles often recruit from their general radiologic technologist staff — meaning your current credential is a launchpad, not a ceiling.
Next steps
- Considering MRI? See how MRI technologist salary compares to radiologic technologist salary in detail.
- Weighing CT vs MRI? Our CT vs MRI technologist salary comparison covers the cross-modality pay differences.
- Just starting out? Read about entry-level MRI technologist salary expectations to plan your first years.
- What does the role involve? Learn what an MRI technologist does and how it differs from radiologic technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
The median radiologic technologist salary is $77,660 per year ($37.34 per hour) according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Salaries range from $46,850 at the 10th percentile to $106,990 at the 90th percentile.
California is the highest-paying state for radiologic technologists, with a median salary of $122,470 per year according to BLS data. However, high cost of living offsets some of that advantage compared to states with lower expenses.
Radiologic technologists earn a median hourly wage of $37.34 according to BLS data. Hourly rates range from roughly $22.50 at the 10th percentile to over $51.00 at the 90th percentile, depending on experience, location, and work setting.
Yes. MRI technologists earn roughly $10,520 more per year than radiologic technologists at the median level, according to BLS data. The gap is even wider at entry level, where MRI techs earn about $14,310 more. The premium reflects the additional training, safety knowledge, and smaller talent pool for MRI roles.
Entry-level radiologic technologists (10th percentile) earn approximately $46,850 per year according to BLS data. Exact starting pay varies by state, employer, and whether you hold additional certifications beyond your initial ARRT credential.
The most effective way to increase your salary is to add a specialty modality credential such as MRI or CT. MRI technologists earn a median of roughly $88,000 per year — about $10,500 more than general radiologic technologists. Other strategies include relocating to higher-paying states, moving into supervisory roles, or working in hospital settings rather than outpatient clinics.
The BLS projects 5% employment growth for radiologic technologists from 2024 to 2034, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. There are currently about 197,060 radiologic technologist positions in the U.S.
Radiologic technologists in hospital settings generally earn more than those in outpatient imaging centers or physician offices. Hospitals typically offer higher base pay plus shift differentials for evening, night, and weekend work, along with more comprehensive benefits packages.