How to Become a Radiology Technician in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee employs about 4,660 radiology technicians earning a median $64,630 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, then applying through Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards.
Compare Radiology Technician Schools in Tennessee
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Kentucky Community and Technical College | 56.9 | $4,728 in-state / $6,432 out-of-state | $43,110 | 50% | Yes* | 118 mi |
| 2 | Northeast Mississippi Community College | 56.6 | $4,470 in-state / $7,710 out-of-state | $43,163 | 34% | Yes* | 104 mi |
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| 3 | Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | 56.0 | $4,728 in-state / $6,432 out-of-state | $41,507 | 58% | Yes* | 97 mi |
| 4 | Madisonville Community College | 55.9 | $4,728 in-state / $6,432 out-of-state | $54,485 | 49% | Yes* | 112 mi |
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| 5 | George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville | 52.6 | $5,220 in-state / $9,090 out-of-state | $50,276 | 51% | Yes* | 119 mi |
| 6 | Northwest Shoals Community College | 51.7 | $5,131 in-state / $9,001 out-of-state | $45,546 | 39% | Yes* | 73 mi |
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| 7 | Volunteer State Community College | 46.8 | $4,756 in-state / $17,740 out-of-state | $47,655 | 28% | Yes* | 61 mi |
| 8 | Columbia State Community College | 44.7 | $5,296 in-state / $18,112 out-of-state | $46,284 | 30% | — | 13 mi |
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| 9 | Fortis Institute-Cookeville | 37.3 | $15,120 | $45,736 | 50% | — | 104 mi |
| 10 | Jackson State Community College | 31.3 | $4,740 in-state / $17,724 out-of-state | $48,313 | 26% | — | 84 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.
Tennessee employs approximately 4,660 radiology technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $64,630 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 Tennessee, 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
- Licensing authority: Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards
- Exam: ARRT(R)
- Median wage (Tennessee): $64,630 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Radiology Technician in Tennessee
How to become a Radiology Technician in Tennessee? Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program, ARRT(R), and state radiologic technologist licensure where required. Apply through Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards.
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 Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards.
Do I need a license in Tennessee? Yes. Tennessee typically registers this role through Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards. See the licensing section below.
What do radiology technicians earn in Tennessee? The median annual wage for radiology technicians in Tennessee is $64,630 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $50,540 and experienced professionals can earn $90,790 or more 1.
How to Become a Radiology Technician in Tennessee
- Meet program entry rules. Radiography programs in Tennessee 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 Tennessee. 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 Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Radiology Technician License Requirements in Tennessee
Radiologic technologists in Tennessee 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 Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards for CRT or the state equivalent when required.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards before you enroll.
Radiology Technician Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians Wages by Metro Area in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), radiologic technologists and technicians wages in Tennessee vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | 1,450 | $76,450 | $74,460 | $57,470 | $99,760 |
| Memphis | 890 | $66,320 | $70,680 | $54,100 | $94,000 |
| Knoxville | 670 | $68,890 | $66,690 | $51,120 | $79,130 |
| Chattanooga | 350 | $62,090 | $66,250 | $50,080 | $84,020 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | 200 | $61,450 | $63,800 | $48,120 | $79,160 |
| Johnson City | 190 | $75,980 | $73,850 | $51,450 | $95,750 |
| Jackson | 160 | $64,620 | $62,310 | $52,130 | $78,220 |
| Clarksville | 110 | $62,380 | $66,780 | $52,480 | $81,160 |
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 Tennessee? Tennessee currently employs approximately 4,660 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 Tennessee with an out-of-state license? Contact Department of Health - Division of Health Related Boards - Division of Health Related Boards for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Tennessee? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Tennessee.
How much do radiology technicians earn in Tennessee compared to the national average? The median annual wage for radiology technicians in Tennessee is $64,630, which is $13,030 below 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) |