If you are exploring a career as a CT technologist or simply curious about what these skilled professionals earn, you’ve come to the right place. The question, “What is a CT technologist salary?” is one that many ask before diving into this specialized field of medical imaging. In this guide, I’ll break down the numbers, explain the factors influencing salary, and explore the differences by location, experience, education, and certification.
By the time you finish reading, you will have a clear picture of what to expect financially as a CT tech and some tips on how to maximize your earnings.
What Does a CT Technologist Do?
Before talking salary, let’s quickly understand the role. A CT technologist operates computed tomography (CT) scanners—these machines produce detailed images of the inside of the body using X-rays. The images help doctors diagnose injuries, diseases, or other medical conditions. CT technologists must be highly skilled, precise, and patient-focused, as they ensure scans are done safely and correctly.
This role requires a combination of technical know-how, patient care, and teamwork with radiologists and other healthcare professionals.
What is CT Technologist Salary:
A CT technologist salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $85,000 per year in the United States, depending on factors like experience, location, and certification. Entry-level CT technologists usually earn around $55,000 to $65,000 annually, while experienced and certified professionals can make upwards of $95,000. Hourly wages vary between $30 and $45, with higher pay often found in hospitals, high-demand states, or through travel assignments. Certification, especially ARRT, and advanced education can significantly boost earnings. Overall, CT technologists enjoy competitive salaries and strong job growth prospects in the healthcare field.
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Average CT Technologist Salary in 2025
In 2025, the average CT technologist salary in the United States generally falls between $70,000 and $85,000 per year. This range depends on many variables like geographic location, level of experience, certifications, and the type of healthcare facility.
The national median salary is around $77,000 annually, which translates roughly to $37 per hour. Of course, wages can be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.
CT Technologist Hourly Wage
Not everyone works a standard full-time schedule, and many CT techs are employed part-time, on-call, or per diem. In these cases, the CT technologist hourly wage is often the key number to look at.
Hourly wages typically range from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on where you work and your experience level. Those working night shifts or weekends often receive higher pay rates, sometimes called shift differentials, which can boost your income significantly.
Entry-Level CT Technologist Salary
Just starting out? The entry-level CT technologist salary usually falls between $55,000 and $65,000 per year. This is common for new graduates working in smaller hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, or private clinics.
While the starting salary might seem modest, the good news is that CT tech salaries tend to grow quickly with experience and additional certifications.
CT Tech Salary With Experience
Experience matters a lot in this profession. As you gain years on the job, your earning potential improves significantly. The CT tech salary with experience—say, 5 to 10 years—typically ranges from $80,000 to over $95,000 annually.
Experienced CT technologists often have opportunities for leadership roles or specialize in certain imaging areas, which can also help bump up pay.
Certified CT Technologist Salary
Certification can be a game changer. Being a certified CT technologist—especially holding credentials from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)—typically results in a higher salary.
Certified CT technologists generally earn 5% to 15% more than their non-certified peers. This certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the profession, making you a more valuable asset to employers.
CT Technologist Salary With ARRT Certification
Building on the previous point, the CT technologist salary with ARRT certification can be notably higher. Certified professionals can expect starting salaries around $70,000, with the potential to reach $100,000 or more in competitive markets or prestigious institutions.
The ARRT certification requires passing an exam and continuing education, but it’s well worth the investment for your salary and career advancement.
CT Technologist Salary by Education Level
Your education level also plays a significant role. Most CT technologists begin with an associate degree in radiologic technology. However, those who pursue a bachelor’s degree or additional specialized training often see better salary offers.
The CT tech salary by education level typically reflects this. A higher degree can open doors to supervisory positions or advanced technical roles, increasing your earning potential.
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Average CT Technologist Salary by State
Geography is one of the biggest salary drivers. The average CT technologist salary by state varies widely:
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California: $95,000 to $110,000
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Texas: $72,000 to $85,000
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Florida: $68,000 to $80,000
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New York: $85,000 to $100,000
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Illinois: $70,000 to $84,000
States like California and New York offer some of the highest pay, thanks to a higher cost of living and large medical markets. Meanwhile, smaller or rural areas may pay less but could compensate with a lower cost of living.
If you’re flexible on location, moving to one of the highest paying states for CT technologists could be a smart move.
Private Clinic CT Tech Salary vs. Hospital Pay
Your workplace setting also affects your salary. A CT technologist salary in hospitals is often higher because hospitals operate around the clock and handle a high volume of patients. You might expect salaries on the upper end of the scale here.
On the other hand, a private clinic CT tech salary usually ranges from $60,000 to $75,000 annually. While this is slightly lower, private clinics often offer more predictable hours and less stressful environments, which many professionals value.
Travel CT Technologist Salary
Another interesting option is working as a travel CT technologist. These professionals take temporary assignments in different locations, often where there’s a shortage of skilled techs.
Travel CT technologists can earn between $2,000 and $3,500 per week, depending on the assignment, location, and benefits like housing or travel allowances. This can translate to a yearly income exceeding $100,000, making it one of the most lucrative ways to work in this field.
CT Technologist Salary Growth
Looking ahead, the outlook is promising. The demand for CT technologists is expected to grow steadily. As medical technology advances and the population ages, more imaging services will be needed.
This means CT technologist salary growth is projected to be around 7% to 9% over the next five years, making it a stable and growing career choice.
CT Technologist vs MRI Technologist Salary
You might be wondering how CT technologists stack up against similar roles like MRI technologists. Typically, an MRI technologist salary is slightly higher, ranging from $80,000 to $95,000 annually.
However, CT technologists generally have more job openings in many regions, which can mean easier access to employment and steady work.
Factors That Influence CT Technologist Salary
To summarize, several key factors influence how much a CT technologist makes:
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Location: Big factor; states and cities vary widely in pay.
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Experience: More years usually mean more pay.
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Certification: ARRT and other certifications can boost salary significantly.
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Education: Higher degrees often lead to higher pay.
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Work Setting: Hospitals tend to pay more than private clinics.
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Specialization: Travel assignments or advanced certifications can increase earnings.
Knowing these can help you make informed decisions about your career path.
Is Becoming a CT Technologist Worth It?
Absolutely. Beyond salary, working as a CT technologist means being part of a vital healthcare process. You play an essential role in diagnosing and treating patients, which can be incredibly rewarding.
The combination of solid salary growth, job security, and opportunities to work in diverse settings makes CT technology a strong career choice for many.
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Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering, “What is a CT technologist salary?”, now you have a thorough answer. From the entry-level CT technologist salary to the benefits of obtaining ARRT certification, there are plenty of ways to increase your earning potential.
Whether you prefer working in hospitals, private clinics, or as a travel CT technologist, your skills are in demand. By continuing your education and gaining certifications, you can expect steady growth and rewarding pay in this dynamic healthcare field.
Disclaimer: This content is based on publicly available information and industry data. Salary estimates are approximate and may vary depending on experience, location, and job role. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, career, or legal advice.
FAQs:
Is becoming a CT tech hard?
Becoming a CT tech takes dedication but isn’t overly hard if you enjoy healthcare and technology. It usually requires completing a radiologic technology program and then specializing in CT scanning. You’ll need to learn anatomy, patient care, and how to operate the machines. With focused study and hands-on practice, it’s definitely achievable, especially if you’re passionate about helping patients and working with advanced medical equipment.
Where do CT techs make the most money?
CT techs tend to earn the highest salaries in large metropolitan areas and regions with high healthcare demand. States like California, New York, and Texas usually offer better pay due to cost of living and volume of medical facilities. Hospitals and specialized imaging centers often pay more than smaller clinics. Experience, certifications, and advanced skills also influence earning potential, so continuing education can boost your salary over time.
How can I become a CT technologist?
To become a CT technologist, start by earning a degree or certification in radiologic technology. Afterward, gain experience as a radiologic technologist before specializing in CT. You’ll need to complete additional CT-specific training and often pass a certification exam through organizations like the ARRT. Hands-on clinical experience and strong patient communication skills are key. Continuing education helps you stay current with technology and best practices.
Is CT Tech in demand?
Yes, CT techs are in demand, thanks to the growing need for advanced diagnostic imaging in healthcare. As populations age and medical technology advances, more CT scans are required to diagnose conditions accurately. This means steady job opportunities in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic centers. The role is expected to grow steadily, making it a solid career choice with good long-term prospects.
Is CT tech a stressful job?
Being a CT tech can have stressful moments, especially in emergency or high-pressure hospital settings. You’ll need to work quickly and accurately, often with patients who may be anxious or unwell. However, many find the job rewarding because you help diagnose important health issues. Stress levels vary depending on the workplace, but good training and strong communication skills help manage the pressure.
Which tech job has highest salary?
Among healthcare tech jobs, some of the highest salaries go to specialized roles like MRI technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, and CT techs with advanced certifications. Outside healthcare, tech jobs like software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists often earn more. Salary depends on experience, location, and education, but specialized medical imaging roles generally offer competitive pay due to their technical expertise and demand.