California is one of the highest-paying states for radiologic technologists in the United States. The state’s strong healthcare industry, high cost of living, and demand for skilled medical professionals contribute to competitive wages for radiology techs. If you’re considering a career as a radiologic technologist in California, understanding the hourly wage can help you make informed career decisions. Below we explore Radiology tech salary in California per hour.
Average Hourly Wage for Radiology Techs in California
As of 2024, the average hourly wage for a radiologic technologist in California is approximately $45 to $55 per hour, depending on factors such as experience, specialization, location, and employer.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual mean salary for radiology techs in California is around $95,000 to $110,000, which translates to an average hourly wage of about $48 to $53 per hour.
Hourly Wages Based on Experience
The level of experience significantly influences how much a radiologic technologist earns per hour in California.
- Entry-Level (0–2 years) – $35 to $45 per hour
- Mid-Career (3–9 years) – $45 to $55 per hour
- Experienced (10+ years) – $55 to $65 per hour
- Specialized Technologists (MRI, CT, Sonography, or Interventional Radiology) – $60 to $75 per hour
Technologists who pursue specialized certifications, such as MRI, CT scanning, or interventional radiology, typically earn more than general radiographers.
Hourly Wages by Work Setting
Radiology technologists can work in various healthcare settings, each offering different pay rates.
- Hospitals – $45 to $55 per hour
- Outpatient Care Centers – $50 to $60 per hour
- Diagnostic Imaging Centers – $50 to $65 per hour
- Physician Offices and Clinics – $40 to $50 per hour
- Government and Research Facilities – $55 to $70 per hour
Outpatient care centers and specialized imaging facilities tend to offer the highest wages due to their advanced equipment and high patient volume.
Highest-Paying Cities for Radiology Techs in California
The city where a radiologic technologist works can also impact hourly wages. In general, urban areas with high living costs pay more than rural areas.
- San Francisco – $55 to $65 per hour
- Los Angeles – $50 to $60 per hour
- San Diego – $48 to $58 per hour
- San Jose – $53 to $63 per hour
- Sacramento – $47 to $57 per hour
- Fresno – $40 to $50 per hour
Cities such as San Francisco and San Jose offer the highest hourly wages due to the increased cost of living and demand for medical professionals.
Factors That Affect Radiology Tech Salaries in California
Several factors determine how much a radiologic technologist earns per hour:
- Experience Level – More experienced techs earn higher hourly wages.
- Specialization – MRI, CT, and interventional radiology techs earn more than general radiographers.
- Location – Salaries are higher in major cities and lower in rural areas.
- Education and Certification – Holding certifications from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and other accrediting bodies can boost wages.
- Employer Type – Government hospitals and specialized imaging centers generally offer higher salaries compared to small private clinics.
Job Outlook for Radiology Techs in California
The job outlook for radiologic technologists in California remains strong, with employment expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS. The aging population and increased use of medical imaging for diagnosis and treatment contribute to this steady demand.
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