Quick answer:Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in the Washington area earn a median $97,390 per year, above the national median of $80,110, and the metro employs about 3,170 of them (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Radiologic Technology Pay in Washington, DC
Metric
Washington metro
District of Columbia
National
Median annual wage
$97,390
$102,770
$80,110
10th percentile
$70,820
$59,130
$55,980
25th percentile
$82,110
$82,160
$64,810
75th percentile
$105,720
$111,390
$98,750
90th percentile
$124,200
$128,120
$118,660
Employment
3,170
660
230,490
Location quotient
0.68
-
1.00
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Washington median of $97,390 is above the national median of $80,110, and below the District of Columbia statewide median of $102,770 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.68 means radiologic technologists are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Imaging jobs sit where the hospitals and outpatient imaging centers are, so the metro picture matters more than the statewide one.
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Radiography programs are accredited by JRCERT and certification runs through ARRT. Most states also require a license that references ARRT certification, but the requirement is not uniform and a few states regulate differently, so the rule has to be checked locally.
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
How We Rank Schools
We first gather the schools closest to the city or state page you are viewing, then rank that
local group by BOC Score, with the highest at the top. The BOC Score is computed from federal
IPEDS and College Scorecard data; schools without enough data to score appear last.
LOCAL RANK
Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry
25%
Average net price (lower is better)
20%
Retention rate
15%
Fully online availability
10%
Schools without enough federal outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
How much do radiologic technologists make in Washington?
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area is $97,390, above the national median of $80,110 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many radiologic technologists work in the Washington area?
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area employs about 3,170 radiologic technologists (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do radiologic technologists in Washington need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Radiography programs are accredited by JRCERT and certification runs through ARRT. Most states also require a license that references ARRT certification, but the requirement is not uniform and a few states regulate differently, so the rule has to be checked locally. Confirm current requirements with your state radiologic health or licensing board.
Can I study radiologic technology online from Washington?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies your state radiologic health or licensing board.
Is Washington a better market than the rest of District of Columbia?
The Washington metro median is $97,390 against a statewide median of $102,770 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2034), national, state and metropolitan estimates
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
