Radiologic Technologist salary
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What a radiologic technologist does
Radiologic technologists perform X-ray, CT and other imaging examinations. A two-year qualification leading to one of the better-paid allied health roles.
Day-to-day duties
- Position patients and perform imaging exams
- Operate and maintain imaging equipment
- Apply radiation safety protocols
- Assess image quality and repeat where needed
- Maintain patient records
Skills employers look for
- Precise patient positioning
- Radiation safety discipline
- Reassuring anxious or injured patients
- Technical equipment competence
Requirements Licence required
- Associate degree in radiologic technology (about 2 years)
- ARRT certification
- State licence in most states
- Physical ability to position and support patients
How to get started
- 1 Complete an accredited radiography programme
- 2 Pass the ARRT examination
- 3 Obtain your state licence
- 4 Cross-train into CT, MRI or mammography for higher pay
Job outlook: Imaging volume keeps rising with an ageing population. Technologists cross-certified in CT or MRI are markedly more valuable than X-ray only.
Common questions about radiologic technologists
What does a radiologic technologist do?
Radiologic technologists perform X-ray, CT and other imaging examinations. A two-year qualification leading to one of the better-paid allied health roles. Day to day, that means position patients and perform imaging exams, operate and maintain imaging equipment, apply radiation safety protocols and assess image quality and repeat where needed.
How do you become a radiologic technologist?
The usual route is: (1) complete an accredited radiography programme, (2) pass the ARRT examination, (3) obtain your state licence, (4) cross-train into CT, MRI or mammography for higher pay. Employers typically look for associate degree in radiologic technology (about 2 years), ARRT certification and state licence in most states.
Do you need a certification to work as a radiologic technologist?
Yes. Working as a radiologic technologist requires formal certification or licensing — specifically ARRT certification and state licence in most states. Requirements are set at state level in most cases, so check your own state's rules before committing to a programme.
Are radiologic technologists in demand?
Imaging volume keeps rising with an ageing population. Technologists cross-certified in CT or MRI are markedly more valuable than X-ray only.
How long does it take to become a radiologic technologist?
About two years for an accredited associate degree, then the ARRT certification exam and state licensure. Adding CT or MRI certification afterwards typically takes months rather than years and is where much of the pay increase sits.
Where are radiologic technologists most in demand?
See the metro and rural areas with the highest concentration of this work, ranked from Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.
Similar roles
Pay figures are estimates for guidance only, not an offer or guarantee. Advertised ranges come from job postings on LocalWork; government figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual pay depends on experience, certifications, shift and employer.