Quick Answer
Radiology technicians earn a median salary of $77,660 per year ($37.34 per hour) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Entry-level techs start between $48,000 and $60,000, while experienced techs and those with specialty certifications can earn $95,000 to $107,000 or more. Geographic location and modality specialization are the two biggest factors that determine where you fall in that range.
What “Radiology Technician” Actually Means for Salary Data
People search for “radiology technician salary,” but the BLS tracks this role as Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2034). This category includes X-ray techs, CT technologists, and other diagnostic imaging professionals who use ionizing radiation. It does not include MRI technologists, who have their own occupational code and earn more.
Understanding this distinction matters because the salary data you see for “radiology technicians” reflects the combined earnings of general X-ray techs and CT-certified techs. X-ray-only techs tend to earn at the lower end of the range, while those with CT certification pull the median higher.
National Salary Breakdown
Here’s the full picture from BLS data (May 2024):
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry-level) | $46,850 | $22.52 |
| 25th | $60,370 | $29.03 |
| Median (50th) | $77,660 | $37.34 |
| 75th | $93,200 | $44.81 |
| 90th (top earners) | $106,990 | $51.44 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2024. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2034).
The spread between the 10th and 90th percentile is over $60,000 per year. That gap reflects differences in experience, credentials, location, and work setting, all of which you can influence.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience drives predictable salary increases throughout a radiology technician’s career.
Entry Level (0–2 years): $48,000–$60,000 You’re learning protocols, building speed, and working under closer supervision. Employers value your availability and willingness to take less desirable shifts. Night and weekend differentials ($2 to $5 per hour extra) can meaningfully increase your effective pay at this stage.
Early Career (3–5 years): $60,000–$78,000 By now you’re handling routine exams independently and developing efficiency. Annual raises of 3% to 5% are common. This is when many techs begin pursuing post-primary certifications in CT or MRI to accelerate their earnings.
Mid-Career (6–10 years): $78,000–$93,000 You’re a reliable, experienced technologist. Employers compete to retain you. Many techs at this stage move into lead roles, begin training students, or add specialty certifications that push them toward the top of the pay range.
Senior (10+ years): $90,000–$107,000+ Lead technologists, supervisors, and those with multiple modality certifications reach the highest compensation levels. Some move into education, applications specialist roles, or management. For a look at the ceiling in MRI specifically, see our guide on highest-paying MRI tech jobs.
Salary by Work Setting
Where you work matters as much as how long you’ve worked.
| Work Setting | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Hospitals (inpatient) | $75,000–$92,000 |
| Outpatient imaging centers | $68,000–$82,000 |
| Physician offices | $62,000–$78,000 |
| Federal government | $80,000–$95,000 |
| Travel/contract | $75,000–$120,000 |
Hospitals pay the most among permanent positions because the work is more demanding: rotating shifts, emergency and trauma imaging, and a wider variety of exams. Outpatient centers and physician offices offer more predictable schedules at lower pay. Government positions (VA hospitals, military facilities) often combine competitive salaries with strong benefits packages.
Travel radiology positions pay a premium but typically require at least one to two years of experience.
Salary by State: Where Radiology Techs Earn the Most
Geography is the single biggest variable in radiology technician pay. The same role can pay $40,000 more in one state compared to another.
Top-Paying States
| State | Median Salary Range |
|---|---|
| California | $95,000–$105,000 |
| Massachusetts | $85,000–$92,000 |
| Washington | $82,000–$90,000 |
| Hawaii | $80,000–$88,000 |
| Oregon | $78,000–$86,000 |
Lower Cost-of-Living States
| State | Median Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Texas | $65,000–$75,000 |
| Ohio | $62,000–$72,000 |
| Georgia | $63,000–$73,000 |
| Alabama | $52,000–$60,000 |
| Mississippi | $50,000–$58,000 |
Always weigh salary against local cost of living. A $65,000 salary in Dallas stretches further than $90,000 in San Francisco. That said, high-paying states also tend to have stronger benefits and more advancement opportunities at major medical centers.
Radiology Technician Salary vs Other Imaging Modalities
Radiology technology is the foundation of medical imaging, but specializing in another modality can significantly increase your earnings.
| Modality | Median Annual Salary | Difference vs Rad Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | $89,340 | +$11,680 |
| MRI Technology | $88,180 | +$10,520 |
| Radiologic Technology (includes CT) | $77,660 | — |
Source: BLS, May 2024
MRI technologists earn roughly $10,500 more per year at the median, and the gap widens at senior levels. Over a 20-year career, that difference adds up to more than $200,000 in additional earnings. For a full comparison, see our CT vs MRI technologist salary breakdown.
How to Increase Your Radiology Technician Salary
Add a Specialty Certification
The single most impactful move you can make. The ARRT offers post-primary certifications in CT, MRI, mammography, and other modalities. Adding MRI typically takes 6 to 12 months and results in a $10,000+ annual salary increase. Adding CT takes 3 to 6 months with a $5,000 to $10,000 bump.
If MRI interests you, our guide on transitioning from radiology tech to MRI tech walks through the full process. Maintaining your credentials with continuing education credits is essential regardless of which path you choose.
Work Less-Desirable Shifts
Night, evening, and weekend shifts carry differentials of $2 to $5 per hour. On a full-time schedule, a $3 per hour differential adds roughly $6,200 per year to your gross pay.
Consider Travel Assignments
After building one to two years of experience, travel positions can double your effective compensation through higher hourly rates plus housing and travel stipends.
Negotiate With Data
Research local salary ranges using job postings and BLS data before accepting an offer or requesting a raise. Lead with your clinical competencies: patient volume, protocols you handle independently, and any quality metrics you can point to.
Pursue Dual-Modality Certification
Technologists certified in both CT and MRI earn the highest compensation in the imaging field. Dual-certified techs typically earn $90,000 to $108,000 in hospital settings because they solve a real staffing problem for employers.
Job Outlook for Radiology Technicians
The BLS projects 5% job growth for radiologic technologists through 2034, with approximately 11,400 annual job openings from growth and replacement needs combined. An aging population, expanded imaging applications, and ongoing staffing shortages in medical imaging are driving sustained demand.
MRI technology is growing slightly faster at 7%, reflecting the expansion of MRI-specific applications and a preference for non-radiation imaging when clinically appropriate. For techs looking to future-proof their careers, adding MRI to your credentials positions you in the faster-growing segment of the field.
Next Steps
If you’re a working radiology technician looking to boost your salary, specializing in MRI is the highest-ROI move available. The entry-level MRI technologist salary already exceeds what many mid-career general rad techs earn, and the gap only grows with experience.
For a comprehensive look at MRI compensation across all experience levels, states, and settings, see the MRI Technologist Salary Guide.
Related Reading
- MRI Technologist Salary Guide — comprehensive MRI pay data
- CT vs MRI Technologist Salary — cross-modality comparison
- Entry-Level MRI Technologist Salary — starting pay for new MRI techs
- MRI Tech vs Rad Tech Salary — detailed head-to-head
- Radiology Tech to MRI Tech — how to make the switch
- Free Radiology CE Credits — maintain and expand your credentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Radiology technicians (radiologic technologists) earn a median salary of $77,660 per year, or $37.34 per hour, according to BLS data from May 2024. The top 10% earn over $106,990 annually, while entry-level techs typically start between $48,000 and $60,000.
California consistently pays the highest radiology technician salaries, with medians ranging from $95,000 to $105,000 per year. Massachusetts, Washington, Hawaii, and Oregon also rank among the top-paying states, though cost of living in these areas is also higher.
Hospitals generally pay radiology technicians $3,000 to $8,000 more annually than outpatient imaging centers. Hospital roles involve more demanding schedules, including nights and weekends, and cover a wider range of imaging exams. Outpatient centers offer lower pay but more predictable hours.
The most effective way to increase earnings is adding a specialty certification. MRI technologists earn a median of $88,180 per year, roughly $10,500 more than general radiology techs. Adding CT, MRI, or both through ARRT post-primary pathways typically takes 6 to 12 months and pays for itself within the first year.
Yes. Radiology technicians earn well above the national median for all occupations, and most enter the field with just an associate degree. Job growth is projected at 5% through 2034. With specialization in modalities like MRI, earnings can exceed $100,000 per year.
A radiology technician (radiologic technologist) primarily performs X-ray and general diagnostic imaging. An MRI technologist specializes in magnetic resonance imaging, which requires additional training in MRI physics, safety, and protocols. MRI technologists earn roughly $10,500 more per year at the median.
Travel radiology technicians typically earn $75,000 to $100,000 annualized for general radiography assignments. Travel MRI technologists earn significantly more, often $100,000 to $150,000 or higher. Travel pay varies based on location, contract length, and specialty.