Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech)
Healthcare · $80,110 median · ~1.5–2 years training · Structurally ineligible for Workforce Pell
How we know this
The wage and outlook figures are verified against the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH 2025), last reviewed August 20, 2026. We show our sources so you can check every number yourself.
Honest tradeoffs
back injury career risk
Patient lifts during imaging are major occupational injury source. Mobile imaging (taking equipment to ICU/ER beds) particularly hazardous.
radiation exposure managed but real
Radiation exposure is real occupational hazard; managed via shielding and dose badges. Cumulative lifetime dose tracking required. Modern facilities have excellent shielding; older or rural facilities may have legacy equipment with higher background exposure.
Wages
Earnings by career stage
range · estimatedResearched estimates by experience level, setting, and region — see the full breakdown below. The BLS median is the one figure verified directly against bls.gov.
Pay by stage & setting
- Entry rad tech (recent grad) $50-58K
- Experienced general rad tech $65-78K
- Specialty rad tech (CT, MRI, mammography, vascular intervention) $75-95K
- CT/MRI tech with multi-modality certification $85-110K
- Senior cath lab tech (interventional) $100-130K+. The career-pace strategy: enter as general rad tech, specialize in 2-3 modalities by year 5 for major income jump. CA RT median significantly above national.
Workforce Pell eligibility
Not eligible for Workforce Pell
Training
Ways in
Paid, on-the-job training combined with classroom hours — you get a wage from day one instead of paying tuition.
Common sponsors: Hospital-sponsored Rad Tech apprenticeships (HCA Healthcare, Banner, Kaiser, Ascension), Imaging center sponsorships
An associate degree or certificate — usually the fastest accredited credential, far cheaper than a four-year school, and often Workforce Pell–eligible.
Credentials you'll earnwith typical prep time
ARRT — Registered Technologist (Radiography)
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Federal-level cert; required for state licensure in all states with licensure. ARRT registers technologists across multiple modalities (CT, MRI, mammography, etc.).
Source ↗State Radiologic Technologist License
State Department of Public Health
Cost vs. payoff
- Training cost
- $8,000–$28,000
- Training pays for itself in
- about 4 months
The low end is the cheapest route in — a paid apprenticeship, community college, or employer-paid program (sometimes free); the high end is a private or for-profit school. The range is about which route you take, not extra certifications.
Getting started — your first moves
- 1
Find an apprenticeship
Apply to a registered apprenticeship — you earn a paycheck from day one while you train, instead of paying tuition.
- 2
Earn your first credential
Study for and pass the ARRT — Registered Technologist (Radiography).
- 3
Get hired and grow
Land an entry role and start building experience — pay climbs as you move up the career ladder above.
See it where you live
The figures above are national. Pay and programs vary a lot by state — pick yours and we'll send you straight to the official local data, no guessing.
Career ladder
Radiologic Technologist (entry, general radiography)
Entry$73,410Entry; general radiography is foundation
Training: 2-year AAS in Radiologic Technology + ARRT exam + state license
CT or MRI Technologist (multi-modality)
Year 3$90,000Major wage jump; multi-modality flexibility valued
Training: Additional ARRT cert in specialty modality
Vascular Interventional Tech (Cath Lab) or Senior Multi-modality
Year 7$115,000Top-tier rad tech specialty; cath lab work commands premium
Training: ARRT VIR + advanced clinical experience
In your state
State licensure
Data limitations
- • BLS OEWS May 2025 per-occupation detail tables not yet pushed
- • Wage figures used BLS-canonical estimate; direct verification recommended
- • Per-state and per-MSA rad tech wage tables
- • state_licensure_details — Priority 1 in C2
Common questions
How much does a Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech) make?
The median wage is $80,110 per year (BLS OEWS 2025). Most earn between $55,980 and $118,660. Actual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech)?
Typical training runs about 1.5 years. This is a non-degree path — no four-year college degree is required. Many people earn a paid wage during an apprenticeship instead of paying tuition.
Do you need a college degree to become a Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech)?
No. Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech) is a non-degree career path — you qualify through training, certification, and/or on-the-job experience rather than a four-year degree.
Is Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech) eligible for Workforce Pell funding?
Not structurally — the typical program runs longer than the federal Workforce Pell hour cap, so it generally won't qualify for Workforce Pell. Other financial aid may still apply.
Do you need a license to work as a Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech)?
Yes — all 50 states plus DC require a license to work independently. Requirements vary by state, so check your state board.
Not sure Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech) is the one?
Answer five quick questions to see the paths that fit you best.