Radiology Tech Salary: Complete Breakdown for 2026

If you’ve ever visited a hospital for an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI, you have already met the professionals who make diagnostic imaging possible: radiologic technologists. People usually call them “radiology techs,” and over the last decade, this career has become one of the most stable and better-paying options in the healthcare field. With rising demand, an aging population, and increasing use of medical imaging in modern diagnosis, more students are looking at this field not just out of passion but also for financial security.

This brings us to the most common question: How much does a radiology tech earn?
The answer is not just a number, it’s a mix of experience, certifications, geographic location, and the type of facility you work for. In this guide, I will break down radiology tech salaries in a natural, human way so you understand what real professionals in the field earn today, what affects those earnings, and how you can grow your income if you choose this path.

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Why Radiology Tech Salary Matters More Today

Over the last few years, healthcare salaries have shifted. Some medical roles have stagnated, while others, especially diagnostic imaging—have surged. Hospitals rely heavily on images for nearly every diagnosis, whether it’s a suspected fracture, chest infection, internal bleeding, or cancer screening. That means radiology techs are no longer “support staff.” They’re essential clinical professionals whose skills directly influence patient care.

Because of that, salaries have improved, job openings have increased, and career growth looks much better than it did ten years ago. Students and career-changers want a stable job with strong earning potential, and radiology is offering exactly that.

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Average Radiology Tech Salary in 2026

While the average salary varies by state and facility, the typical U.S. radiologic technologist earns between $58,000 and $82,000 per year, with many landing right around $70,000–$74,000.

But these numbers shift a lot based on several factors, which we’ll dive into. For now, here’s the general breakdown:

Hourly pay: $26 – $38 per hour

Monthly salary: $4,500 – $6,800

Yearly salary: $58,000 – $82,000

Top earners: Over $95,000 per year

Entry-level: $45,000 – $55,000

These are nationwide averages, but they don’t tell the full story. A tech in California earns very differently from a tech in Tennessee. Someone working nights or weekends earns more than someone working a regular daytime shift. And technologists who specialize—like CT, MRI, mammography, or interventional radiology—often earn significantly more than general X-ray techs.

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How Location Affects Radiology Tech Salary

Location is the biggest salary influencer in almost every healthcare job, but imaging sees even more dramatic differences. States with high living costs tend to pay much more, while rural states usually have modest pay. But something interesting has happened in the last five years: smaller states with limited imaging professionals have started offering higher salaries to attract talent.

Highest-paying states for radiology techs

Radiology techs in these states often earn $80,000–$100,000+ yearly:

• California
• New York
• Massachusetts
• Washington
• Oregon
• Colorado
• Hawaii

These states benefit from large healthcare systems and heavy imaging usage in hospitals and outpatient centers. California, especially, offers some of the highest wages in the country due to strict licensing and strong union presence.

Mid-range earning states

These areas offer $65,000–$78,000 on average:

• Texas
• Florida
• Georgia
• Arizona
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• Illinois

Most new techs start their careers in states like these because the cost of living is moderate and opportunities are everywhere.

Lower-paying states

Radiology techs here typically earn $52,000–$62,000:

• Mississippi
• Arkansas
• South Dakota
• North Dakota
• Iowa
• West Virginia

But don’t let these numbers fool you—techs in rural areas often enjoy lower rent, cheaper living, and less competition, which means good job stability and a comfortable lifestyle.

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Salary by Experience Level

A radiology tech’s income improves steadily with experience, especially when they add advanced imaging certifications. Here’s what it realistically looks like:

1. New graduates (0–2 years)

Fresh radiology tech graduates usually begin their careers in high-demand hospital areas like emergency rooms, trauma departments, and inpatient units. Their starting pay ranges from $22 to $27 per hour, and this early phase helps them build strong foundational skills, confidence, and speed.

2. Mid-level techs (3–7 years)

By the time radiology techs reach the mid-level stage, most have added advanced certifications such as CT or MRI, which significantly boost earning potential. Salaries typically rise to $30–$40 per hour, with annual earnings often crossing $75,000 due to experience and specialized skills.

3. Senior or specialized techs (8+ years)

Senior radiology techs with years of hands-on experience and high-demand specialties like MRI, Interventional Radiology, or the Cath Lab earn some of the strongest salaries in the field. Many bring in $90,000–$110,000+ yearly, especially in states offering competitive healthcare wages.

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How Certifications Influence Salary

One of the best things about being a radiologic technologist is the ability to grow your income without going back to school for a full degree. The ARRT makes it easy to stack specialties, and each specialty increases earning potential.

Most profitable certifications:

CT (Computed Tomography) – One of the fastest ways to increase salary.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – High-paying, especially in private imaging centers.

Mammography – Lower stress, good schedule, strong demand.

Interventional Radiology (IR) – One of the highest-paying imaging roles.

Cardiac Cath Lab – Excellent pay, especially with call shifts.

Techs with two or more of these certifications are often among the highest earners in the field, sometimes crossing the $120,000 yearly mark in top states.

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Hospital vs. Clinic vs. Travel Radiology Tech Salary

Where you choose to work can significantly shape your income as a radiology tech. Different workplaces offer different workloads, benefits, and pay structures, making your job setting just as important as your location when it comes to overall salary potential.

1. Hospitals

Hospitals generally offer the strongest earning potential for radiology techs, especially Level I trauma centers where imaging demand is constant. Techs working evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays earn additional shift differentials that can significantly increase yearly income, often adding several thousand dollars.

2. Outpatient imaging centers

Outpatient centers provide competitive salaries, though typically a bit lower than busy hospital environments. Their biggest advantage is a stable schedule—usually Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This predictable routine attracts techs who want solid pay without the fast-paced pressure of trauma work.

3. Clinics and urgent care

Clinics and urgent care facilities tend to pay the least, but they offer a calmer and more relaxed work setting compared to hospitals. Many radiology techs appreciate the slower workflow, fewer emergency cases, and the consistent daytime hours that support a healthier work–life balance.

4. Travel Radiology Techs

Travel radiology techs earn some of the highest incomes in the field by accepting short-term contracts in states facing staffing shortages. Weekly pay often ranges from $2,300 to $3,800, and additional perks like housing stipends, reimbursements, and bonuses can push total yearly earnings well into six figures.

Annual income for travel techs can cross $140,000–$170,000, depending on the contracts they take.

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Shift Differentials and Overtime Can Boost Pay Dramatically

Many new students don’t know this, but radiology techs earn far more than their base salary through extra shifts:

Night shift differential: +10%–20%

Weekend differential: +$3–$8 per hour

Holiday pay: 1.5× or 2×

On-call pay: $3–$8 per hour + call-back rates

If you work in a busy trauma center, overtime and call-backs can push your income into six figures even without switching specialties.

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Radiology Tech Salary vs. Other Imaging Careers

Many students compare radiology with other healthcare imaging careers before choosing a path. Here’s a realistic comparison:

Radiology Tech (X-ray): $58k–$82k

CT Tech: $70k–$95k

MRI Tech: $72k–$100k

Ultrasound Tech / Sonographer: $75k–$105k

Nuclear Medicine Tech: $85k–$120k

Interventional Radiology Tech: $95k–$135k

In most states, radiology techs start slightly lower than sonographers or MRI techs, but they have more specialty options to grow into.

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Is Radiology a Good Career for the Future?

Short answer: yes—one of the best.

The healthcare industry is dealing with a massive shortage of imaging professionals. Many older techs are retiring, and hospitals are expanding imaging departments faster than schools can train new students.

This shortage has increased salaries, job security, and career opportunities.

Why the future looks strong:

• Nearly every medical diagnosis requires imaging.
• Aging population = more X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
• Advancements in AI imaging require skilled techs, not fewer.
• Travel imaging jobs have exploded nationwide.
• Specialties offer long-term earning potential.

You can enter the field with a two-year degree and grow your income every year through experience and certifications.

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How to Increase Your Salary as a Radiology Tech

Radiology tech salaries can grow quickly with the right strategy, and the highest earners follow a clear path to boost their income. Whether you’re new or experienced, small career decisions—like certifications, shifts, and travel work—can dramatically increase your overall yearly earnings.

1. Master general X-ray for your first year

Your first year should focus on becoming confident with general X-ray, especially in fast-paced areas like trauma, surgery, and inpatient portables. Learning to work quickly and accurately builds the foundation that makes future transitions into CT, MRI, or advanced specialties much easier.

2. Add CT certification (ARRT)

CT certification is one of the fastest ways to increase your salary because nearly every hospital relies heavily on CT imaging. Many facilities offer on-the-job training for X-ray techs, allowing you to gain experience, qualify for the ARRT exam, and move into higher-paying roles.

3. Move into MRI or IR

Once you’ve built confidence, shifting into MRI or Interventional Radiology can significantly boost income. MRI offers high pay in a quieter, controlled environment, while IR provides some of the strongest salaries in imaging due to its complexity, teamwork, and fast-paced procedural workflow.

4. Take night or weekend shifts

A simple way to raise your income without changing specialties is working nights, weekends, or holidays. Shift differentials add up quickly, and many radiology techs earn an extra $8,000–$15,000 per year just by choosing schedules with higher hourly incentives.

5. Consider travel assignments

Experienced radiology techs often take travel contracts to dramatically increase earnings. Travel pay packages frequently include weekly stipends, bonuses, and higher hourly rates, allowing many techs to double their annual income while exploring new cities and gaining valuable experience in diverse clinical environments.

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Example: How Salary Grows Over Time

Radiology tech careers offer steady financial growth, and many professionals see their income rise quickly as they gain new skills and certifications. This example shows a realistic path that many techs follow, demonstrating how experience and specialization gradually lead to significant salary increases over the years.

Year 1

Most radiology techs begin in general X-ray, earning around $24 per hour as they learn the workflow of trauma, surgery, and portable imaging. This first year is focused on building speed, confidence, and technical accuracy, resulting in an annual income close to $50,000.

Year 3

By the third year, many techs transition into CT, one of the highest-demand imaging areas. With certification and hands-on experience, salaries typically reach about $32 per hour, pushing annual earnings to roughly $68,000 as responsibilities expand and skills become more specialized.

Year 5

At this point, techs who earn dual certification in CT and MRI see another major jump in income. With broader expertise and access to advanced imaging departments, hourly pay often rises to $38, bringing yearly earnings to about $82,000 and opening doors to higher-paying roles.

Year 7

After gaining strong experience, many techs move into travel assignments where demand—and pay—is much higher. Travel radiology techs frequently earn around $2,900 per week, resulting in annual incomes surpassing $145,000, often doubling what they made earlier in their careers without additional degrees.

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Is Radiology Tech Salary Worth the Workload?

Radiology techs work hard. Between trauma cases, inpatient portables, OR support, and emergency imaging, there are days when the department feels nonstop. But for many techs, the combination of good pay, strong benefits, and meaningful patient interaction makes the effort worth it.

Most techs appreciate:

• Steady income
• Shift flexibility
• Opportunities to specialize
• Ability to move anywhere in the U.S.
• Respect within the medical team

If you like technology, patient care, and a fast-moving hospital environment, this career offers strong financial rewards.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Pursue Radiology for the Salary?

If you are choosing a career purely for the paycheck, radiology offers something rare: high earnings without a long educational path.

But beyond the salary, it’s a job with purpose. You’re helping diagnose injuries, detecting cancer, assisting trauma patients, and playing a major role in patient care. The emotional fulfillment is just as strong as the financial stability.

Radiology techs in 2026 continue to earn strong salaries—whether you are a fresh graduate starting at $50,000 or a specialized travel tech earning $150,000+. And with the demand for imaging growing every year, radiology remains one of the smartest career choices for anyone seeking a stable, well-paid future in healthcare.

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