"What is the average radiology tech salary in the U.S.?"

"The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $80,110 for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,980, and the top 10 percent earned more than $118,660."

"Which states pay radiology techs the most?"

"Per BLS state data (May 2025), California leads with a median of about $121,260, followed by Massachusetts ($103,620), the District of Columbia ($102,770), Oregon ($102,290), and Washington ($102,090). Pay tracks closely with cost of living and union density."

"How can radiology technologists increase their salary?"

"Common paths include adding ARRT post-primary certifications (CT, MRI, mammography, vascular interventional), gaining experience, moving to a higher paying state or metro, working night and weekend shifts that include differential pay, and stepping into lead or supervisory roles."

"Do radiologic technologists need a license to work?"

"Most U.S. states regulate the practice of radiologic technology. Most employers require ARRT certification (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists), and many states use ARRT certification as a basis for issuing a state license. Always check your state board for current rules."

Radiology Tech Salary 2026: National, By State, By Setting

Updated June 8, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Curious what radiologic technologists earn in 2026, and how pay changes by state and setting? This page focuses on salary, BLS data, and how to grow your earnings.

Radiologic technologists (often called rad techs or X-ray techs) operate medical imaging equipment to help physicians diagnose injury and disease. Pay is well above the national median for all occupations, and ARRT post-primary certifications can lift earnings further.

National median pay

Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program (May 2025 release):

Median annual wage: $80,110
10th percentile: $55,980
25th percentile: $64,810
75th percentile: $98,750
90th percentile: $118,660

Source: BLS OEWS, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (29-2034), May 2025.

Pay by experience level

BLS does not publish formal “experience level” buckets, but the wage percentiles offer a reasonable proxy:

Entry level (roughly 10th to 25th percentile): about $55,980 to $64,810 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Mid career (around the median): about $80,110 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Experienced (75th to 90th percentile): about $98,750 to $118,660 per year (BLS, May 2025).

New ARRT certified rad techs typically start near the lower end of this range; long tenure plus advanced certifications push pay toward the upper end.

Pay by state

The five states with the highest BLS median wages for radiologic technologists (May 2025):

Rank	State	Median Annual Wage
1	California	$121,260
2	Massachusetts	$103,620
3	District of Columbia	$102,770
4	Oregon	$102,290
5	Washington	$102,090

The lowest median wages were reported in Mississippi ($59,300), Alabama ($60,700), and Arkansas ($63,640). Source: BLS OEWS state data, May 2025.

Cost of living, certification density, and the strength of hospital systems and union representation all influence the spread.

How pay varies by setting and specialty

Within the BLS occupation, common employment settings include hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, physician offices, and traveling assignments. ARRT publishes post-primary credentials that often correspond to higher pay:

Computed Tomography (CT)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (BLS tracks MRI Technologists separately under SOC 29-2035 with a higher national median of $95,480 as of May 2025).
Mammography
Vascular-Interventional Radiography
Cardiac-Interventional Radiography

Travel rad tech contracts and shift differentials (nights, weekends, on call) can also raise effective hourly pay.

Compared to similar roles

For context, here is how radiologic technologist pay compares to nearby BLS healthcare technology occupations (May 2025 medians):

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (29-2032): $96,590
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (29-2035): $95,480
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (29-2034): $80,110
Surgical Technologists (29-2055): $64,650

Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.

How to increase your earnings

Earn ARRT post-primary credentials. CT, MRI, and interventional add measurable pay in many markets.
Consider higher paying states or metros. California, Massachusetts, the D.C. metro, Oregon, and Washington consistently sit at the top of BLS state tables.
Move into supervisory or lead tech roles. PACS administration and radiology imaging supervisor positions can sit well above the 75th percentile.
Build a per diem or travel portfolio. Travel contracts often pay above local staff rates.
Stay current on continuing education to maintain ARRT certification and unlock advanced modalities.

Job outlook: BLS projects 4.3% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, with about 12,900 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections).

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034. bls.gov/emp
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) post-primary certifications. arrt.org

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.