How to Become a Radiology Technician in District of Columbia (2026)
District of Columbia employs about 660 radiology technicians earning a median $102,770 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Radiology Technician here means completing a JRCERT-accredited radiography program, ARRT(R), and state radiologic technologist licensure where required. Confirm credential rules with the program and employer.
Compare Radiology Technician Schools in District of Columbia
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anne Arundel Community College | 63.3 | $4,322 in-state / $11,522 out-of-state | $55,889 | 31% | Yes* | 29 mi |
| 2 | Northern Virginia Community College | 62.5 | $5,891 in-state / $12,409 out-of-state | $57,487 | 33% | Yes* | 12 mi |
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| 3 | Montgomery College | 59.0 | $5,394 in-state / $14,250 out-of-state | $55,199 | 32% | Yes* | 14 mi |
| 4 | Howard Community College | 51.0 | $4,080 in-state / $9,624 out-of-state | $57,920 | 24% | Yes* | 22 mi |
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| 5 | Prince George's Community College | 48.7 | $4,034 in-state / $8,762 out-of-state | $62,100 | 18% | Yes* | 11 mi |
| 6 | Chesapeake College | 47.5 | $4,274 in-state / $8,768 out-of-state | $52,363 | 35% | Yes* | 51 mi |
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| 7 | Community College of Baltimore County | 41.7 | $4,432 in-state / $11,010 out-of-state | $60,930 | 19% | Yes* | 42 mi |
| 8 | Fortis College-Landover | 37.9 | $16,522 | $39,605 | 47% | — | 9 mi |
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Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
District of Columbia employs approximately 660 radiology technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $102,770 1. Nationally, radiology technician employment is projected to grow 4.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 12,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Radiology Technician in District of Columbia, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: JRCERT-accredited radiography program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a JRCERT-accredited radiography program, ARRT(R), and state radiologic technologist licensure where required
- Exam: ARRT(R)
- Median wage (District of Columbia): $102,770 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Radiology Technician in District of Columbia
How to become a Radiology Technician in District of Columbia? Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program, ARRT(R), and state radiologic technologist licensure where required. Apply through the program and employer.
How long does it take? Most people finish a JRCERT-accredited radiography program, ARRT(R), and state radiologic technologist licensure where required. Confirm current hour totals with the program and the program and employer.
Do I need a license in District of Columbia? Yes. District of Columbia typically registers this role through the program and employer. See the licensing section below.
What do radiology technicians earn in District of Columbia? The median annual wage for radiology technicians in District of Columbia is $102,770 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $59,130 and experienced professionals can earn $128,120 or more 1.
How to Become a Radiology Technician in District of Columbia
- Meet program entry rules. Radiography programs in District of Columbia typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm prerequisites with the program.
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program. Finish a JRCERT-accredited radiography program in District of Columbia. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass ARRT(R). Pass the ARRT radiography exam. Some states accept ARRT in lieu of a separate state exam.
- Apply for state licensure where required. Apply for the state radiologic technologist credential where required. Confirm fluoroscopy or CRT rules with the program and employer.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Radiology Technician License Requirements in District of Columbia
Radiologic technologists in District of Columbia typically complete a JRCERT-accredited program, pass ARRT(R), and obtain a state CRT or equivalent where required.
Typical path
Meet program entry rules.
Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program.
Pass ARRT(R).
Apply to the program and employer for CRT or the state equivalent when required.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the program and employer before you enroll.
Radiology Technician Wages by Metro Area in District of Columbia
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians Wages by Metro Area in District of Columbia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), radiologic technologists and technicians wages in District of Columbia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 3,170 | $97,390 | $95,410 | $70,820 | $124,200 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for radiology technicians in District of Columbia? District of Columbia currently employs approximately 660 radiology technicians 1. Nationally, radiology technician employment is projected to grow 4.3% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a radiology technician in District of Columbia with an out-of-state license? Contact the program and employer for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in District of Columbia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in District of Columbia.
How much do radiology technicians earn in District of Columbia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for radiology technicians in District of Columbia is $102,770, which is $25,110 above the national median of $77,660 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
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/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |