Radiology techs make a median annual salary of $77,660 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2024. Pay varies by state, experience, and industry, with California offering the highest median at $107,670. A radiology technician is a healthcare professional who performs diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. Now, let’s delve into the specifics of how radiology tech salaries vary across the United States.
How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make? National Salary Overview
The median annual salary for radiology technicians in the U.S. is $77,660 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure represents the midpoint, meaning half of all radiology technicians earned more than this amount, and half earned less. For context, the lowest 10 percent of radiology technicians earned less than $52,360 annually as of May 2024, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,990. These numbers highlight a wide earning potential within the profession. A radiology technician is a healthcare professional who performs diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. While the national median offers a good baseline, actual salaries can be significantly influenced by various factors, including geographic location, years of experience, and the specific industry or setting of employment.
Let’s break down how salary varies by state, starting with a complete look at all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Complete State-by-State Radiology Tech Salary Table for 2024
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the median annual salaries for radiology technicians across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2024. This offers a detailed snapshot for aspiring radiology technicians to compare earning potentials in different regions.
| State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $56,790 |
| Alaska | $85,870 |
| Arizona | $84,480 |
| Arkansas | $60,430 |
| California | $107,670 |
| Colorado | $83,740 |
| Connecticut | $85,370 |
| Delaware | $84,570 |
| District of Columbia | $99,080 |
| Florida | $71,190 |
| Georgia | $67,270 |
| Hawaii | $99,670 |
| Idaho | $78,000 |
| Illinois | $77,890 |
| Indiana | $76,600 |
| Iowa | $64,350 |
| Kansas | $68,740 |
| Kentucky | $64,840 |
| Louisiana | $62,760 |
| Maine | $77,750 |
| Maryland | $79,630 |
| Massachusetts | $99,910 |
| Michigan | $68,480 |
| Minnesota | $80,960 |
| Mississippi | $53,340 |
| Missouri | $67,120 |
| Montana | $75,280 |
| Nebraska | $68,520 |
| Nevada | $88,120 |
| New Hampshire | $82,010 |
| New Jersey | $85,520 |
| New Mexico | $74,060 |
| New York | $91,520 |
| North Carolina | $67,150 |
| North Dakota | $63,850 |
| Ohio | $75,480 |
| Oklahoma | $66,610 |
| Oregon | $99,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $68,010 |
| Rhode Island | $84,630 |
| South Carolina | $65,100 |
| South Dakota | $66,320 |
| Tennessee | $63,940 |
| Texas | $76,800 |
| Utah | $80,080 |
| Vermont | $85,450 |
| Virginia | $79,670 |
| Washington | $93,920 |
| West Virginia | $66,780 |
| Wisconsin | $76,200 |
| Wyoming | $77,350 |
Now let’s examine the states where radiology techs earn the most.
Top-Paying States for Radiology Techs and Cost of Living Factors
California is the highest-paying state for radiology technicians, with an average annual salary of $107,670 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This high salary reflects the state’s robust healthcare industry and high demand for skilled professionals. However, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living when evaluating these figures. States with higher salaries often have a significantly higher cost of living, meaning that the purchasing power of an $107,670 salary in California might be comparable to a lower salary in a more affordable state. Other states that offer competitive salaries include Massachusetts ($99,910), Hawaii ($99,670), Oregon ($99,530), and Washington ($93,920). When choosing a location, aspiring radiology technicians should research not only salary expectations but also the overall economic environment and cost of housing and daily living.
Your salary doesn’t just depend on location—experience plays a major role. Next, we look at how pay changes with years on the job.
How Does Experience Level Affect Radiology Tech Pay?
Experience significantly shapes earnings, with radiologic technologists in later career stages generally commanding higher salaries. Data from Payscale.com indicates a clear upward trend in hourly pay as technicians gain more experience. For instance, those with less than one year of experience earn an average hourly salary of $23.02, while those with 10-19 years of experience see a notable increase to $30.54 per hour. Interestingly, the data shows a slight dip for those with 20 or more years of experience, averaging $28.91 per hour, which could be attributed to factors like moving into less demanding roles or part-time positions. However, the overall trajectory clearly illustrates that building a career in radiology technology is associated with increased earning potential.
Here’s how median salaries compare across different work settings.
Where Do Radiology Techs Earn the Most? By Industry and Work Setting
The industry and specific work setting significantly influence a radiology technician’s earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in certain sectors offers higher compensation than others. The federal government, excluding postal services, stands out as the highest-paying sector, with radiology technicians earning a median annual salary of $93,970. Following closely are outpatient care centers, where the median salary is $81,000. Hospitals, which are a primary employer for many radiology technicians, offer a median salary of $78,560 for state, local, and private facilities. Medical and diagnostic laboratories provide a median salary of $76,770, while offices of physicians generally offer a lower median salary of $66,060. These variations underscore the importance of considering the employment landscape when seeking higher-paying opportunities within the field.
A comparison with related imaging and health careers helps you gauge the field’s value.
How Does Radiology Tech Pay Compare to Other Healthcare Roles?
Radiology technician salaries are competitive when compared to other allied health professions, offering a solid earning potential within the healthcare sector. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that diagnostic medical sonographers earned a median annual wage of $89,340 as of May 2024, and MRI technologists had a median annual wage of $88,180 in the same period. Cardiovascular technologists and technicians earned a median annual wage of $67,260, while the average annual salary for respiratory therapists was $80,450. While some specialized roles like sonographers and MRI technologists may offer higher median salaries, radiology technicians still earn a strong income, especially considering the educational investment. This comparison highlights that radiologic technology is a financially viable and attractive career path within the healthcare industry, offering good value for its required training.
Understanding potential expenses helps you evaluate the career’s full picture.
Is Radiology Tech School Worth It? Cost vs. Salary Analysis
The financial return on investment for becoming a radiology technician is generally considered very strong, primarily due to the relatively low cost of the required education. An associate degree in radiology from a community college can often be obtained for less than $5,000, making it one of the most accessible and affordable pathways into a lucrative healthcare career. When this modest educational investment is compared to the median annual salary of $77,660 reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the earning potential and financial viability of this career become clear. For aspiring professionals seeking a stable career with good income prospects without incurring substantial student loan debt, radiology technology presents an excellent option.
Now that we’ve covered all key aspects, let’s summarize the most important points.
Key Takeaways on Radiology Tech Salary
The median annual salary for radiology technicians in the U.S. is $77,660 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salary is influenced by several factors, including geographic location, with states like California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii offering higher pay. Experience also plays a significant role, with more seasoned professionals typically earning more, though data from Payscale.com shows a nuanced progression. The work setting is another key determinant, with federal government positions and outpatient care centers generally offering higher compensation than physician’s offices. Compared to other healthcare roles, radiology technician salaries are competitive, and the relatively low cost of an associate degree program, often under $5,000, provides an excellent return on investment, making it an attractive career choice.
FAQ
Q: What is the starting salary for a radiology tech?
A: Radiology techs with less than 1 year of experience earn an average hourly wage of $23.02, which equates to roughly $47,880 annually for full-time work. Starting salaries vary by state and employer.
Q: Which state pays radiology techs the most?
A: California is the highest-paying state, with an average annual salary of $107,670. Other top-paying states include Massachusetts, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.
Q: Do radiology techs make more than nurses?
A: Radiology tech salaries are comparable to registered nurses, who earned a median of $81,220 in 2022. However, techs often have lower education costs, making the career financially attractive.
Q: How much do radiology techs make per hour?
A: The median hourly wage for radiology techs is approximately $37.34, based on a 40-hour workweek. Experienced techs with 10-19 years can earn $30.54 per hour on average.
Q: Can radiology techs make six figures?
A: Yes, the highest 10% of radiology techs earn more than $106,990 per year. Top earners often work in California, in federal government roles, or have extensive experience.
Q: Is radiology tech school expensive?
A: An associate degree in radiology from a community college can cost less than $5,000, making it one of the most affordable healthcare training paths relative to earning potential.
