Average Radiologic Technologist Salary: $73,516 (2026)

The average radiologic technologist salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $73,516 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $61,185 in El Paso, TX to $100,669 in San Jose, CA.

The average hourly rate for radiologic technologists is $35.34 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $29.42/hour in lower-paying areas to $48.40/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.

San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for radiologic technologists, with a median salary of $100,669 per year. This is 37% above the national average of $73,516. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.

Entry-level radiologic technologists (10th percentile) typically earn around $47,912 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $73,516 within 3-5 years of career growth.

The average radiologic technologist salary of $73,516 is 24% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $106,162 or more annually.

El Paso, TX has the lowest radiologic technologist salary at $61,185 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $39,484.

There are approximately 10,614 radiologic technologists employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a moderate-sized job market with opportunities in healthcare industries nationwide.

The biggest factors affecting radiologic technologist salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $39,484 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Modality specialty credentials — CT (ARRT CT), MRI (ARRT MR), mammography (ARRT M), and interventional radiology (ARRT VI/CI) credentials each add $3,000–$8,000+ annually to base compensation, Work setting — trauma level I hospital emergency departments, cardiovascular catheterization labs, and interventional radiology suites pay significantly above outpatient urgent care and clinic imaging. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.

In-demand skills that boost radiologic technologist salaries include: Radiographic positioning — precise knowledge of anatomy, beam alignment, patient positioning (PA/AP/lateral/oblique views), and source-to-image distance to produce diagnostic projections on every body region, Radiation physics and protection — understanding of X-ray production, scatter, filtration, beam quality, and dose-minimization strategies to protect patients and self under ALARA principles, CT technique and protocol management — setting up and modifying CT protocols, understanding reconstruction parameters, dose modulation (CTDI, DLP), and contrast timing for optimal diagnostic image quality, IV contrast administration — understanding contrast media pharmacology, recognizing and responding to allergic reactions (urticaria, anaphylaxis), and monitoring patients during and after injection, Patient assessment and communication — gathering relevant clinical history, evaluating patient mobility and condition, explaining procedures clearly to anxious or pediatric patients, and responding to emergencies. Modality specialty credentials — CT (ARRT CT), MRI (ARRT MR), mammography (ARRT M), and interventional radiology (ARRT VI/CI) credentials each add $3,000–$8,000+ annually to base compensation Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($90,237).

Radiologic Technologist salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $73,516 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.