A radiology tech salary can make this healthcare career especially appealing to people who are interested in medical imaging, technology, and patient care but do not want to complete the many years of education required to become a physician. Radiologic technologists and technicians perform diagnostic imaging examinations that help doctors identify injuries, evaluate medical conditions, and make informed decisions about patient care.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic technologists and technicians earned a median annual wage of $80,110 in May 2025. That works out to approximately $38.52 per hour at the national median.
Actual earnings can vary considerably. Experience, geographic location, employer, specialty, certification, work schedule, and advanced imaging skills can all influence how much a radiology tech makes.
Specialization may also create access to different career opportunities and salary levels. For example, MRI technologists earned a median annual wage of $95,480 in May 2025, according to BLS data.
If you are considering a career in medical imaging, salary is only part of the picture. Education requirements, certification, job outlook, working conditions, advancement opportunities, and long-term career goals also matter.
This comprehensive guide explores 10 important radiology tech salary facts, including annual and hourly pay, entry-level earnings, salary by experience and workplace, MRI tech pay, factors affecting compensation, education requirements, career advancement, job outlook, and frequently asked questions.
Radiology Tech Salary Quick Facts
| Category | Salary or Career Information |
| Median Annual Salary | $80,110 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $38.52 |
| Lowest 10% | Less than $55,980 annually |
| Highest 10% | More than $118,660 annually |
| MRI Technologist Median Salary | $95,480 annually |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Associate’s degree |
| Projected Job Growth | 5% from 2025–2035 |
| Projected Annual Openings | About 13,000 |
| Common Workplaces | Hospitals, outpatient centers, physician offices, diagnostic laboratories and government facilities |
Salary figures are based primarily on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2025 wage data. Individual earnings vary by employer, experience, location, specialty, schedule, and other factors.
Read more: Radiology Tech Salary
What Is a Radiology Tech?
A radiology tech, formally known as a radiologic technologist or radiologic technician, is a healthcare professional trained to perform diagnostic imaging examinations.
Radiologic technologists commonly perform X-rays and work with specialized imaging equipment to produce images that physicians can use when evaluating patients.
Depending on their education, credentials, employer, and career path, technologists may also develop expertise in additional imaging modalities.
Radiology techs typically work closely with radiologists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals while also interacting directly with patients.
What Does a Radiology Tech Do?
The daily responsibilities of a radiologic technologist vary by workplace and specialty, but common duties may include:
- Preparing patients for imaging examinations
- Explaining procedures to patients
- Positioning patients correctly for imaging
- Operating diagnostic imaging equipment
- Following physician imaging orders
- Reviewing images for technical quality
- Maintaining patient and examination records
- Following radiation-safety procedures
- Protecting patients and staff from unnecessary radiation exposure
- Working with radiologists and other healthcare professionals
Because accurate imaging can play an important role in medical decision-making, radiology techs must combine technical knowledge with careful attention to patient safety and comfort.
1. What Is the Average Radiology Tech Salary?
One of the first questions prospective students ask is: How much does a radiology tech make?
According to the BLS, radiologic technologists and technicians had a median annual wage of $80,110 in May 2025.
The median is the midpoint of the wage distribution. This means half of workers in the occupation earned more than $80,110 and half earned less.
It is important to distinguish between median salary and average salary.
Separate BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data reported a mean annual wage of $83,840 for radiologic technologists and technicians in May 2025.
That is why someone searching for the average radiology tech salary may encounter slightly different numbers.
Some sources report median earnings, while others use the arithmetic mean. Job websites may also publish estimates based on job advertisements, self-reported salaries, or base compensation rather than total earnings.
Radiology Tech Salary Per Hour
The BLS reported a median hourly wage of $38.52 for radiologic technologists and technicians in May 2025.
The annual median produces almost the same result when converted to an hourly figure:
$80,110 ÷ 2,080 hours = approximately $38.51 per hour
The mean hourly wage was approximately $40.31.
Actual hourly earnings can be higher or lower depending on factors such as:
- Experience
- Location
- Employer
- Specialty
- Overtime
- Shift differentials
- Weekend or overnight schedules
- Employment status
For this reason, national salary figures should be viewed as benchmarks rather than guaranteed earnings.
2. Radiology Tech Salary by Experience
Experience is one of several factors that can influence radiology tech salary.
There is no universal national salary schedule that automatically determines how much a technologist earns after a certain number of years.
However, experienced professionals may qualify for more specialized positions, additional responsibilities, supervisory roles, or higher salary ranges.
Entry-Level Radiology Tech Salary
There is no official nationwide entry-level radiology tech salary.
Starting pay can depend on:
- Geographic location
- Employer
- Credentials
- Clinical training
- Local demand
- Specialty
- Work schedule
- Shift differentials
For context, the BLS reported that the lowest 10% of radiologic technologists and technicians earned less than $55,980 annually in May 2025.
However, this figure should not be treated as a standard starting salary. The lowest 10% of workers can include people with many different levels of experience and employment circumstances.
A new graduate should therefore research actual job postings and wage data for the specific city or state where they intend to work.
Mid-Career Radiology Tech Salary
After several years of professional experience, a radiologic technologist may become eligible for positions requiring more advanced technical skills or greater responsibility.
Mid-career professionals may improve their earning opportunities by:
- Developing additional imaging skills
- Obtaining relevant credentials
- Moving into CT, MRI, or another specialty
- Taking premium shifts
- Assuming additional responsibilities
- Changing employers
- Pursuing supervisory opportunities
Career progression differs from one employer to another, so additional experience does not automatically guarantee a particular salary.
Experienced Radiology Tech Salary
Experienced professionals may reach the upper portion of the occupational wage distribution.
The BLS reported that the highest 10% of radiologic technologists and technicians earned more than $118,660 annually in May 2025.
This means earning more than $100,000 as a radiology tech is possible, although it is not typical for every worker.
Location, specialty, credentials, employer, experience, overtime, and work schedule can all influence whether a technologist reaches the upper end of the salary range.
3. Radiology Tech Salary by Workplace
Employer type can make a noticeable difference in radiologic technologist salary.
BLS data show that median wages vary among major industries employing radiologic technologists and technicians.
| Workplace | Median Annual Wage |
| Federal Government, excluding postal service | $97,490 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $84,720 |
| Hospitals | $80,650 |
| Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories | $78,400 |
| Offices of Physicians | $74,540 |
These differences demonstrate why comparing employers can be worthwhile when evaluating job opportunities.
Hospital Radiology Tech Salary
Hospitals are among the largest employers of radiologic technologists.
According to BLS data, radiologic technologists and technicians working in state, local, and private hospitals had a median annual wage of $80,650 in May 2025.
Hospital work can involve a wide range of patients and medical situations.
Because diagnostic imaging may be needed around the clock, some hospital positions require evenings, weekends, holidays, overnight work, or on-call schedules.
Employers may offer additional compensation for certain shifts, although policies vary.
Outpatient Radiology Tech Salary
Outpatient care centers had a median annual wage of $84,720 for radiologic technologists and technicians in May 2025.
That was higher than the overall occupational median of $80,110.
Salary, however, should not be the only consideration when comparing hospital and outpatient jobs.
Benefits, work schedules, overtime opportunities, retirement contributions, health insurance, workload, commute, paid time off, and professional development can all affect the overall value of a job.
4. Radiology Tech Salary by Location
Geographic location can have a substantial impact on radiology tech salary.
Pay may vary between states, cities, metropolitan areas, and rural communities because of differences in:
- Cost of living
- Local demand for healthcare workers
- Regional wage levels
- Competition among healthcare employers
- Staffing shortages
- State licensing requirements
- Availability of qualified professionals
A higher salary does not necessarily mean a worker has greater purchasing power.
Cost of Living and Radiology Tech Salary
Suppose one radiology tech position pays $90,000 annually in an expensive metropolitan area, while another pays $78,000 in a lower-cost community.
The first position provides a higher gross salary. However, significantly higher housing, transportation, childcare, insurance, and other living expenses could reduce the financial advantage.
Anyone comparing radiology tech salary by state should therefore consider both compensation and cost of living.
Location can also affect commute times, licensing requirements, job availability, employer choice, and access to specialized healthcare facilities.
5. MRI Tech vs. Radiology Tech Salary
Another popular comparison is MRI tech salary vs. radiology tech salary.
BLS May 2025 wage data show:
| Career | Median Annual Wage |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $80,110 |
| MRI Technologists | $95,480 |
The difference between these national median wages is approximately $15,370 per year.
This does not mean that every MRI technologist earns more than every radiologic technologist. Individual compensation still depends on employer, experience, location, credentials, schedule, and other factors.
Why Can MRI Technologists Earn More?
MRI is a specialized area of medical imaging requiring knowledge of sophisticated imaging equipment, patient positioning, safety procedures, and patient care.
The BLS lists an associate’s degree as the typical entry-level education for MRI technologists and indicates that related work experience is typically needed.
Career pathways can vary.
A radiologic technologist considering MRI should evaluate:
- Required education and training
- Certification requirements
- Local employment opportunities
- Workplace expectations
- Salary potential
- Professional interests
- Long-term career goals
Higher salary can be attractive, but it should not be the only reason to select a specialty.
6. What Factors Affect Radiology Tech Salary?
There is no single salary that applies to every radiologic technologist.
Several factors can affect radiology technician salary and overall compensation.
Experience
Experienced technologists may qualify for senior, specialized, or supervisory positions that offer different salary ranges.
Education
An associate’s degree is the typical entry-level education for radiologic technologists.
Additional education may be useful for certain specialized, leadership, educational, or administrative career paths.
Certification and Credentials
Certification and licensing requirements vary by state and employer.
Relevant professional credentials may demonstrate competency and help technologists qualify for specialized imaging responsibilities.
Specialty
Additional training in advanced imaging modalities can expand career options.
MRI, for example, is a related occupation with a higher national median wage than general radiologic technology.
Work Schedule
Evening, overnight, weekend, holiday, overtime, and on-call work may affect total compensation when employers offer premium pay for these schedules.
Geographic Location
Wages vary by state and metropolitan area.
Cost of living can also significantly affect the real financial value of a salary.
Employer
Hospitals, government facilities, outpatient centers, diagnostic laboratories, and physician offices can offer different salary and benefit packages.
7. How to Become a Radiology Tech
Understanding the education and training pathway is essential for anyone considering this profession.
Step 1: Complete the Required Education
Radiologic technologists typically need an associate’s degree.
Prospective students should carefully research radiologic technology programs before enrolling.
A program should be evaluated based on its curriculum, clinical education, costs, completion outcomes, and whether it meets relevant certification, licensing, and employer requirements.
Step 2: Complete Clinical Education
Radiologic technology education typically includes supervised clinical training.
Students may gain practical experience with:
- Patient positioning
- Imaging procedures
- Equipment operation
- Radiation protection
- Patient communication
- Safety procedures
- Professional conduct
Clinical education helps connect classroom knowledge with real healthcare environments.
Step 3: Meet Certification Requirements
Professional certification can play an important role in a radiologic technologist’s career.
Specific requirements depend on the employer, state, imaging modality, and position.
Students should verify certification requirements before selecting an educational program.
Step 4: Meet State Licensing Requirements
Many states require radiologic technologists to meet licensing or certification requirements.
Rules differ by jurisdiction, so candidates should check the current requirements in the state where they plan to work.
Step 5: Apply for Radiology Tech Jobs
Radiologic technologists can work in settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient care centers
- Diagnostic imaging centers
- Physician offices
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories
- Government healthcare facilities
When comparing jobs, new graduates should evaluate more than starting salary.
Benefits, scheduling, orientation, training, commute, workplace environment, advancement opportunities, and access to additional imaging experience can all matter.
8. How Can You Increase Your Radiology Tech Salary?
There is no guaranteed method for increasing salary, but several career strategies may improve earning opportunities over time.
Gain Professional Experience
Additional clinical experience can strengthen technical skills and may qualify technologists for senior or specialized positions.
Earn Additional Credentials
Relevant credentials may demonstrate advanced competency and expand the range of jobs for which a technologist can qualify.
Develop Advanced Imaging Skills
Learning additional imaging modalities can create new career opportunities.
Professionals interested in MRI, for example, may pursue the education, training, and credentials required for that career path.
Compare Employers
BLS data show meaningful wage differences among industries.
Federal government positions and outpatient care centers, for example, reported higher median wages than physician offices in May 2025.
Consider Geographic Mobility
Moving to a region with stronger wages may increase gross income.
Before relocating, compare salary with housing, taxes, transportation, insurance, and other living expenses.
Consider Premium Shifts
Some employers provide additional compensation for evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, or on-call work.
These arrangements vary by employer and should be evaluated alongside workload and work-life balance.
Pursue Leadership Opportunities
Experienced radiologic technologists may eventually pursue supervisory, educational, administrative, or management positions when they meet the relevant qualifications.
9. Radiology Tech Job Outlook
Salary is important, but employment prospects are another major consideration when choosing a career.
The BLS projects employment of radiologic technologists and technicians to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035.
About 13,000 openings for radiologic technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, during the decade.
Many openings are expected to result from employment growth and the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
MRI technologists have a separate projected employment growth rate of approximately 8% from 2025 to 2035.
Why Are Radiology Techs Needed?
Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in modern healthcare.
X-rays and other imaging procedures help healthcare professionals identify and evaluate injuries and medical conditions.
Population aging is also expected to contribute to demand for healthcare and diagnostic imaging services.
As medical imaging remains an important part of diagnosis and patient care, trained radiologic technologists will continue to play an important role in healthcare facilities.
10. Is Becoming a Radiology Tech Worth It?
Whether becoming a radiology tech is worth it depends on your career goals, interests, education costs, financial situation, and preferred work environment.
Potential advantages include:
- Working directly with patients
- Using medical imaging technology
- Entering a healthcare occupation that typically requires an associate’s degree
- Developing specialized technical skills
- Opportunities to pursue advanced imaging pathways
- Competitive national median earnings
- Projected employment growth
There are also challenges to consider.
Radiologic technologists may spend long periods standing. They may need to position or move patients and regularly work with people who are injured, ill, anxious, or uncomfortable.
Some jobs also involve evening, weekend, holiday, overnight, or emergency-related schedules.
Accuracy is essential. Technologists must pay close attention to imaging protocols, radiation safety, patient identification, positioning, and technical image quality.
For someone who enjoys healthcare, technology, patient interaction, anatomy, and hands-on work, radiologic technology can be a rewarding career option.
Radiology Tech Salary vs. Other Healthcare Careers
Comparing related occupations can help prospective students understand how radiologic technology fits into the broader healthcare job market.
| Healthcare Career | Median Annual Wage, May 2025 |
| Medical Dosimetrist | $147,470 |
| Radiation Therapist | $105,310 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | $101,370 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $96,590 |
| MRI Technologist | $95,480 |
| Radiologic Technologist/Technician | $80,110 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologist/Technician | $62,930 |
Salary alone should not determine which healthcare career someone chooses.
Each occupation has different educational requirements, credentials, licensing rules, job responsibilities, physical demands, working conditions, and career paths.
For example, radiologic technologists typically need an associate’s degree, while other healthcare occupations may require different levels of education or specialized professional training.
Radiology Tech Salary: Key Takeaways
The national radiology tech salary provides a useful benchmark for people considering a career in diagnostic imaging.
The most important figures include:
- $80,110 per year — median wage for radiologic technologists and technicians
- $38.52 per hour — median hourly wage
- Less than $55,980 — annual earnings for the lowest 10%
- More than $118,660 — annual earnings for the highest 10%
- $95,480 per year — median wage for MRI technologists
- 5% — projected employment growth for radiologic technologists and technicians from 2025 to 2035
- About 13,000 — projected radiologic technologist and technician openings per year
Employer type can also influence earnings. Among the major industries listed by the BLS, federal government positions had a median wage of $97,490, outpatient care centers reported $84,720, hospitals reported $80,650, and physician offices reported $74,540.
These numbers should be used as benchmarks rather than guarantees.
Prospective students should consider education costs, certification and licensing requirements, local wages, cost of living, employer demand, benefits, job availability, and long-term advancement opportunities before choosing a program or accepting a position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Radiology Tech Salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), radiologic technologists and technicians earned a median annual wage of $80,110 in May 2025. Separate BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data reported a mean annual wage of $83,840.
The median represents the midpoint of earnings, while the mean is calculated by averaging wages across the occupation. This is why different sources may report slightly different figures for the average radiology tech salary.
How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make Per Hour?
Radiologic technologists and technicians had a median hourly wage of $38.52 in May 2025, according to BLS wage data. The mean hourly wage was approximately $40.31.
Actual hourly pay can vary depending on experience, employer, geographic location, specialty, work schedule, overtime, and shift differentials.
What Is an Entry-Level Radiology Tech Salary?
There is no single official nationwide entry-level radiology tech salary. Starting pay varies by employer, location, credentials, clinical experience, work schedule, and local demand for radiologic technologists.
For context, the BLS reported that the lowest 10% of radiologic technologists and technicians earned less than $55,980 per year in May 2025. However, this figure should not be treated as a universal starting salary because the lowest wage group includes workers in different employment circumstances.
Can a Radiology Tech Make $100,000 a Year?
Some radiologic technologists can earn $100,000 or more per year.
BLS data show that the highest 10% of radiologic technologists and technicians earned more than $118,660 annually in May 2025. Reaching six-figure earnings can depend on factors such as experience, geographic location, employer, specialty, credentials, overtime, and premium shifts.
Which Advanced Imaging Careers Can Pay More Than Radiologic Technology?
Several related medical imaging careers have higher national median wages than general radiologic technology.
In May 2025, the median annual wage was $95,480 for MRI technologists, $101,370 for nuclear medicine technologists, and $105,310 for radiation therapists, compared with $80,110 for radiologic technologists and technicians.
These are distinct occupations rather than simply interchangeable radiology tech specialties. Each can have different education, training, certification, licensing, and job requirements.
Do MRI Techs Make More Than Radiology Techs?
At the national median level, yes. MRI technologists earned a median annual wage of $95,480 in May 2025, while radiologic technologists and technicians earned $80,110.
That represents a difference of approximately $15,370 per year. Individual earnings can still vary substantially based on experience, location, employer, credentials, and work schedule.
Which Workplaces Pay Radiology Techs the Most?
Pay varies considerably by employer and industry. Among major industries employing radiologic technologists and technicians, the federal government, excluding the postal service, reported a median annual wage of $97,490 in May 2025.
Outpatient care centers had a median wage of $84,720, hospitals $80,650, medical and diagnostic laboratories $78,400, and physician offices $74,540.
These are national industry medians, so an individual job offer may be higher or lower.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Radiology Tech?
Radiologic technologists typically need an associate’s degree to enter the occupation. Associate degree programs commonly take about two years of full-time study, although the total timeline can vary.
Prerequisites, clinical education, certification, state licensing requirements, and individual program structure can all affect how long it takes to become qualified for employment.
Is Radiology Tech a Good Career?
Radiologic technology can be a good career for people interested in healthcare, medical imaging, technology, anatomy, and direct patient care.
Radiologic technologists and technicians had a median annual wage of $80,110 in May 2025, and employment is projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035.
However, whether the career is right for you depends on factors such as education costs, career goals, physical demands, work schedules, local job opportunities, and your interest in working directly with patients.
How Can I Increase My Radiology Tech Salary?
Potential ways to improve earning opportunities include gaining clinical experience, earning relevant credentials, developing advanced imaging skills, considering higher-paying employers, pursuing leadership responsibilities, and comparing opportunities in different geographic markets.
Some employers may also offer additional compensation for eligible evening, overnight, weekend, holiday, overtime, or on-call work.
Higher earnings are never guaranteed, so salary should be considered alongside benefits, workload, cost of living, job stability, work-life balance, and long-term career development.