Radiologic technologists, also known as radiology technicians or radiographers, play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They use advanced imaging equipment such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, radiologic technologists enjoy competitive salaries and strong job prospects across the United States. Below we explore radiology tech salary in the USA.
Average Salary of a Radiology Tech in the USA
The salary of a radiologic technologist in the U.S. varies based on factors such as experience, education, location, and the type of healthcare facility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2023, the average annual salary for a radiologic technologist is approximately $70,000 per year or about $33.65 per hour.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0–2 years of experience): $50,000 – $60,000 per year
- Mid-Career (3–9 years of experience): $65,000 – $80,000 per year
- Experienced (10+ years of experience): $85,000 – $100,000+ per year
- Specialized Radiologic Technologists (MRI, CT, or Interventional Radiology): $80,000 – $110,000 per year
Technologists with specialized training or certifications, such as MRI or CT scans, tend to earn higher salaries than general radiographers.
Salary by Work Setting
The workplace setting also influences a radiologic technologist’s earnings. Different healthcare facilities offer varying salary packages based on demand and funding.
- Hospitals: $65,000 – $80,000 per year
- Diagnostic Imaging Centers: $70,000 – $85,000 per year
- Physician’s Offices: $60,000 – $75,000 per year
- Outpatient Care Centers: $75,000 – $90,000 per year
- Government and Research Facilities: $80,000 – $100,000 per year
Outpatient care centers and specialized imaging facilities often offer the highest salaries due to their advanced imaging technologies and higher demand for specialized services.
Highest-Paying States for Radiology Techs
Location plays a crucial role in determining salaries, with some states offering significantly higher wages than others. The highest-paying states for radiologic technologists include:
- California – $95,000+ per year
- Hawaii – $85,000+ per year
- Massachusetts – $83,000+ per year
- Alaska – $80,000+ per year
- Oregon – $78,000+ per year
Urban areas and states with high living costs tend to offer higher salaries to compensate for expenses. However, states with lower costs of living may still offer competitive wages relative to local economic conditions.
Factors Influencing Salary
Several factors impact the salary of a radiology technician in the U.S.:
- Education and Certification: Holding an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology, along with certifications such as the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certification, can increase earning potential.
- Specialization: Radiologic technologists specializing in MRI, CT, sonography, or interventional radiology earn higher salaries.
- Work Experience: More experienced technologists command higher wages due to their expertise and efficiency.
- Location: Metropolitan areas and states with high healthcare demands offer higher salaries compared to rural locations.
- Employer Type: Government institutions, research centers, and outpatient care centers typically offer better salaries than small clinics or private practices.
The demand for radiologic technologists is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS. This growth is driven by an aging population, increased use of medical imaging, and advancements in diagnostic technology.
Also Read: How to tell your parents to stop calling you every day
