Radiologic Technologist Salary in 2026
Radiologic technologists operate imaging equipment to produce diagnostic images of the body. They position patients, ensure image quality, and maintain radiation safety protocols.
Median Salary
$63,000
$5,250/mo
Entry Level
$49,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$78,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Radiologic Technologist Overview
Radiologic technologists operate imaging equipment to produce diagnostic images of the body. They position patients, ensure image quality, and maintain radiation safety protocols.
Education
Associate's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
220K
5-Year Growth
+9%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$30.29/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,250
Radiologic Technologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Radiologic Technologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Radiologic Technologist Salary
$68,000
$5,667/month · $2,615/biweekly · $32.69/hr
Radiologic Technologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Radiologic Technologist field.
Entry-level Radiologic Technologists earn around $49,000, while the top 10% earn $87,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Radiologic Technologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $74,000 | +$11,000 |
| New York | $72,000 | +$9,000 |
| Texas | $62,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $62,000 | $-1,000 |
| Ohio | $60,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Radiologic Technologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $74,000 | +$11,000 |
| Los Angeles | $71,000 | +$8,000 |
| Miami | $64,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $62,000 | $-1,000 |
| Cleveland | $59,000 | $-4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Radiologic Technologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Radiologic Technologist from entry level to expert.
$49,000
0-2 years
$64,000
3-7 years
$78,000
8-14 years
$96,000
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Radiologic Technologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Radiologic Technologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Radiologic Technologist in the United States is $63,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $49,000, while senior professionals earn up to $78,000. Top earners in the field can make $96,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Radiologic Technologist?
A Radiologic Technologist typically requires a Associate's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include X-Ray Imaging, CT Scanning, Patient Positioning. Relevant certifications such as ARRT Certification or State Licensure can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Radiologic Technologists?
The job market for Radiologic Technologists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 220K Radiologic Technologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 9%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Radiologic Technologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Radiologic Technologists include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $74,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Radiologic Technologist salary?
To increase your Radiologic Technologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like X-Ray Imaging and CT Scanning. Pursue certifications such as ARRT Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $49,000 to $78,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Radiologic Technologist Salary
How we calculate Radiologic Technologist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $63,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Radiologic Technologist in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($49,000) and senior-level ($78,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 220K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 9% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Associate's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $63,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Radiologic Technologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Radiologic Technologist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Radiologic Technologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (X-Ray Imaging, CT Scanning, Patient Positioning), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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