Radiology Tech Salary in the US 2025 | Salary by States & Experience, How to become? What do they do? All Details
In 2025, the average radiology tech salary in the US is around $73,000, and for further details, like what they do? How to become? and salary by states & experience read below page sections below that will definitely solve all your queries.
How much does a Radiology Tech make?
U.S. average: about $77,660 per year—that’s roughly $22.60/hour. This comes from median wage data.
BY EXPERIENCE:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level radiology tech salary (0–1 year) | $48,000 – $55,000 | $23 – $26 |
| Early Career (1–4 years) | $55,000 – $62,000 | $26 – $30 |
| Mid-Career (5–9 years) | $62,000 – $70,000 | $30 – $34 |
| Experienced (10–19 years) | $70,000 – $78,000 | $34 – $38 |
| Late Career (20+ years) | $78,000 – $85,000+ | $38 – $41+ |
1. Radiology Tech Salary Texas
In Texas, the average is about $88,700/year, which works out to around $42.60/hour.
2. Radiology Tech Salary Florida
In Florida, the average radiology tech salary is about $71,139/year ($34.20/hour).
3. Interventional Radiology Tech Salary
These specialized techs earn more—around $96,276/year, which is notably higher than average.
4. Radiology Tech Assistant Salary
Radiology Tech assistant salary is about $54,129/year. Pay ranges roughly from $43K to $68K.
Check the Average Radiology Tech Salary in every State of the US
High-Paying States (Top Tier)
| State | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | $55.12 | $114,650 |
| Hawaii | $49.27 | $102,500 |
| Massachusetts | $46.77 | $97,250 |
| Oregon | $46.28 | $96,280 |
| Alaska | $45.86 | $95,430 |
| Washington | $44.18 | $91,890 |
| New York | $43.50 | $90,480 |
| New Jersey | $42.83 | $89,080 |
| Connecticut | $42.65 | $88,700 |
| Rhode Island | $41.82 | $86,980 |
Median-Paying States (Middle Tier)
| State | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $40.72 | $84,710 |
| Maryland | $40.11 | $83,400 |
| Minnesota | $39.56 | $82,300 |
| Illinois | $38.97 | $81,060 |
| Nevada | $38.85 | $80,820 |
| Arizona | $38.72 | $80,530 |
| Texas | $38.18 | $79,420 |
| Pennsylvania | $37.85 | $78,740 |
| New Hampshire | $37.54 | $78,050 |
| North Carolina | $37.19 | $77,340 |
Low-Paying States (Lower Tier)
| State | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $35.14 | $73,070 |
| Georgia | $34.87 | $72,540 |
| South Carolina | $34.15 | $71,040 |
| Missouri | $33.89 | $70,490 |
| Kentucky | $33.45 | $69,550 |
| Louisiana | $32.92 | $68,490 |
| Oklahoma | $32.55 | $67,700 |
| Alabama | $31.96 | $66,480 |
| Mississippi | $31.12 | $64,730 |
| Arkansas | $30.84 | $64,150 |
How to become a Radiology Tech?
It is a fastest way to become a Radiology Tech in 2025;
1. Finish High School (or Equivalent)
- Complete high school diploma or GED.
- Focus on science subjects like biology, chemistry, and math.
2. Get a Radiologic Technology Degree
- Enroll in a 2-year Associate’s degree program in Radiologic Technology.
- Study X-ray operation, anatomy, and patient care.
3. Complete Clinical Training
- Practice in hospitals or clinics during your degree.
- Learn to work with real patients and equipment.
4. Pass the Certification Exam
- Take the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exam.
- Passing makes you a licensed Radiology Tech.
5. Get State License (If Needed)
- Some states require their own license besides ARRT.
- Apply and pay small fees if required.
6. Start Working
- Apply for jobs in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers.
- Work as an X-ray or imaging technician.
7. Keep Learning
- Every 2 years, complete continuing education to keep your license active.
- You can later specialize in MRI, CT scan, or mammography.
Radiology Tech Positions
| Role | What They Do |
|---|---|
| General X-ray Tech | Takes regular X-rays |
| CT / MRI / Mammography Tech | Special imaging machines |
| Bone Density / Nuclear Med Tech | Checks bone or uses radioactive tools |
| PET/CT Tech | Combines PET and CT scans |
| Sonographer | Uses sound, often for babies and organs |
| Interventional Tech | Helps with minor in-body procedures |
| Cardio / Vascular Tech | Specializes in heart & vessel imaging |
| Radiologist Assistant | Supports doctors in patient care and imaging |
| Quality Control Tech | Ensures imaging machines work correctly |
| Radiation Therapist | Treats with controlled radiation |
What does a Radiology Tech do?
- Prepare patients for X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans.
- Position the patient correctly for clear images.
- Operate imaging machines safely.
- Protect patients from too much radiation.
- Work with doctors to choose the right images.
- Keep equipment clean and working.
- Maintain patient records.
Top Radiology Tech Schools in the USA 2025 & Radiology Tech Programs
1. Johns Hopkins University – School of Medical Imaging
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Programs: Radiologic Technology, Medical Imaging Sciences
Official Website: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
2. Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Programs: Radiography Program, Advanced Imaging Modalities
Official Website: https://college.mayo.edu
3. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) – School of Medicine
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Imaging
Official Website: https://meded.ucsf.edu
4. Massachusetts General Hospital – Institute of Health Professions
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Programs: Radiography, Imaging Technology Programs
Official Website: https://www.mghihp.edu
5. University of Iowa – Carver College of Medicine
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Programs: Radiologic Technology, Imaging Sciences
Official Website: https://medicine.uiowa.edu
6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – School of Medicine
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Programs: Radiologic Science, Medical Imaging
Official Website: https://www.med.unc.edu
7. Indiana University – School of Medicine
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Programs: Radiography, Medical Imaging Technology
Official Website: https://medicine.iu.edu
8. University of Alabama at Birmingham – School of Health Professions
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Programs: Radiography, Advanced Imaging Modalities
Official Website: https://www.uab.edu/shp
9. Oregon Institute of Technology
Location: Klamath Falls, Oregon
Programs: Radiologic Science, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Official Website: https://www.oit.edu
10.Thomas Jefferson University – College of Health Professions
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Programs: Radiologic Sciences, Imaging Informatics
Official Website: https://www.jefferson.edu
Prerequisites for Radiology Tech
(Duplicate of earlier “pre reqs” heading but summarized):* High school diploma, college prerequisites (A&P, biology), background check, immunizations, CPR, and successful application to an accredited program. Clinical readiness matters.
Ultrasound Tech vs Radiology Tech
| Feature | Ultrasound Tech (Sonographer) | Radiology Tech (Radiologic Technologist) |
|---|---|---|
| How They Image | Uses sound waves to create live pictures, like baby scans. Safer—no radiation involved. | Uses radiation-based machines like X-ray, CT, or MRI. Requires safety gear to protect patients. Cambridge Healthcare CollegeIndeed |
| Pay (Median Salary) | Around $75,920/year, so about $37/hour. Radiology Tech InfoChron – Work | Around $63,710/year, about $30/hour. Radiology Tech InfoAMN Healthcare |
| Job Growth | Projected 17% growth by 2029 — high demand. | Projected 7–9% growth — steady need. Radiology Tech InfoChron – Work |
Sonography vs Radiology Tech
| Feature | Sonography (Ultrasound Tech) | Radiology Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Main Imaging Method | Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs, tissues, and blood flow. | Uses X-rays or other ionizing radiation to create images of bones, chest, and certain soft tissues. |
| How It Works | A handheld probe (transducer) sends sound waves into the body; echoes are converted into real-time images. | X-ray machine sends controlled radiation through the body; dense structures (like bones) block rays and appear white on images. |
| Best For | Soft tissue exams: pregnancy, heart (echocardiography), liver, kidneys, blood vessels. | Bone injuries, lung conditions, chest scans, mammograms, and some soft tissue imaging. |
| Radiation Exposure | No radiation – safe for pregnant patients and repeated use. | Uses radiation – exposure is minimal but requires safety precautions. |
| Image Type | Moving, real-time images (live video). | Static images (still pictures). |
| Typical Workplaces | Hospitals, OB/GYN clinics, vascular labs, cardiology centers. | Hospitals, orthopedic clinics, urgent care, diagnostic centers. |
Radiologist vs Radiology Tech
| Feature | Radiologist | Radiology Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Role | A medical doctor (MD/DO) who interprets medical images and provides diagnoses. | A trained healthcare professional who operates imaging equipment to capture medical images. |
| Education | ~13–15 years: Bachelor’s degree → Medical school → Residency in radiology → (Optional fellowship). | ~2–4 years: Associate or bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology + certification/licensing. |
| Main Work | Reads X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and other images to diagnose conditions; may consult with other doctors. | Positions patients, operates X-ray/MRI/CT machines, ensures image quality, and follows safety protocols. |
| Salary (U.S. average) | $300K–$500K+ per year | $50K–$75K per year |
| Work Setting | Hospitals, diagnostic centers, private practices, academic institutions. | Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers. |
| Patient Interaction | Minimal — mostly consults with other physicians. | High — directly works with patients to capture images. |