🏥 Healthcare ↑ 6% growth · Faster than average

Radiologic Technologist (X-Ray Tech)

Rad Techs operate X-ray, CT, and fluoroscopy equipment to produce images that help physicians diagnose injuries and disease. It's a technical, well-paying role with multiple specialty certifications available.

$65,140 Median Salary

222K US Jobs

2 years Training

$8,000–$30,000 Typical Cost

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💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Radiologic technologists (R) typically earn $60,000–$90,000 annually. CT-certified technologists (CT) earn $70,000–$105,000. MRI-certified technologists earn $80,000–$120,000. Travel radiologic technologists earn $2,000–$3,500 per week on 13-week assignments. Radiologic technologists in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest earn the highest state-level wages nationally. Supervisory and lead radiologic technologist positions earn $85,000–$115,000.

Entry Level

$48,000

Median

$65,140

Experienced

$87,000

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📈 Job Outlook

Projected Growth (10yr)

Faster than average

222K

Total US Jobs

Active positions nationwide

ARRT Certification

Required Credential

ARRT Certification (RT)

Radiologic technologists — X-ray techs — perform diagnostic imaging examinations using X-ray, fluoroscopy, and CT equipment under physician supervision. The BLS projects much-faster-than-average employment growth for radiologic technologists driven by the growing diagnostic imaging volume, the aging population, and expanding imaging applications in trauma, musculoskeletal, and vascular diagnosis. Radiologic technologists who cross-train in CT, MRI, or mammography access the best-compensated positions and the broadest employment options. ARRT Radiography (R) certification is the foundation credential, with CT and MRI advanced certifications adding significant earning potential.

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program

AAS in Radiologic Technology

Program Length

2 years

Typical Tuition

$8,000–$30,000

Work Setting

Hospitals, imaging centers, urgent care

Radiologic technology programs are offered at the associate and bachelor's degree levels at community colleges, hospitals, and universities accredited by JRCERT. Programs cover radiation physics, radiographic anatomy, image acquisition, patient care, and clinical rotations in all X-ray and fluoroscopy procedures. After graduation, technologists take the ARRT Radiography examination to earn the R(T) credential. Advanced certifications in CT (computed tomography), MRI, mammography, and interventional radiography require additional experience and passing additional ARRT post-primary examinations. ARRT certification is required for licensure in most states.

🏆 Credential Required: ARRT Certification (RT)

☀️ Day in the Life

A Radiologic Technologist begins the hospital shift by reviewing the imaging queue — portable chest X-rays are requested on the ICU, a trauma patient needs a full skeletal survey, and the fluoroscopy room has a barium swallow scheduled. They head to the ICU with a portable X-ray machine, position the image receptor behind each patient, set the technique factors appropriate for the patient's size and condition, and acquire the image. On the trauma case, they work quickly and efficiently — the patient is immobilized on a spine board and cannot move, requiring the technologist to position the X-ray tube and detector around the patient rather than vice versa. The barium swallow requires preparing the contrast mixture, positioning the patient on the fluoroscopy table, and performing a dynamic imaging study in collaboration with the radiologist — capturing images as the patient swallows. End of day involves equipment cleaning, image quality review, and documentation.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Pros

Strong employment growth across all healthcare settings: Radiologic technologists are employed in hospitals, outpatient imaging, physician offices, and urgent care — employment options are broadly available.
Advanced certifications significantly increase earning potential: CT and MRI post-primary certifications earned after initial R(T) licensure substantially increase hourly wages and employment options.
Travel tech contracts offer excellent short-term income: Travel radiologic technologist assignments provide above-average income with housing stipends and location flexibility.
Essential diagnostic role in modern medicine: Without diagnostic imaging, modern medicine cannot function — radiologic technologists contribute to nearly every diagnostic and treatment pathway.
Diverse work environment from ICU to OR to outpatient: Radiologic technologists work in emergency departments, operating rooms, ICUs, and outpatient clinics — diverse daily working environments.

Cons

Radiation exposure monitoring is a career-long discipline: Wearing dosimetry badges, standing behind shields, and maintaining radiation protection practices are lifelong professional requirements.
Physically demanding portable and trauma imaging: Portable X-ray units are heavy, and positioning equipment around immobilized trauma patients requires strength and awkward body positions.
On-call and night shift coverage required in hospital settings: Hospital radiology departments run 24/7 — technologists rotate through nights, weekends, and holidays.
Emotionally demanding trauma and critical care imaging: ICU portable studies and trauma imaging put technologists in close contact with critically ill patients — emotionally challenging work environment.

📍 Foster, WV

Award

How to compare these options

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🗺️ Radiologic Technologist (X-Ray Tech) by State

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