The current median annual salary for a radiology tech is $67,180 or $32.30 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This career can be a good option for those who want to work in the medical field but don’t want to attend medical school. This role typically only requires an associate’s degree, so it can be easy to pursue this career without taking on a ton of student loan debt.
For those who wonder how much a radiology tech makes, read on for details and what else you should know about this career and its earning potential.
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What Are Radiology Techs?
A radiology technologist, also known as a radiographer, is a healthcare professional responsible for conducting X-rays and other diagnostic imaging procedures on patients. It typically offers a medical career path without a college degree or graduate-level degrees. It therefore can sidestep many additional years of training and the expense of that education.
The key duties of radiology techs include:
• Adjusting and maintaining imaging equipment
• Adhering to precise instructions from physicians regarding the targeted areas of the body for imaging
• Preparing patients for procedures by collecting medical histories and shielding unnecessary exposed areas
• Positioning both the patient and equipment to obtain accurate images
• Operating computerized equipment for image capture
• Collaborating with physicians to assess the images
• Deciding if further imaging is necessary
• Helping to maintain patient records.
If you’re a “people person” who enjoys interacting with patients and colleagues daily, this position could be a good fit. However, as a job for introverts, it may not be enjoyable due to the social aspect.
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How Much Do Starting Radiology Techs Make a Year?
When someone is working as an entry-level radiology tech, they can expect to earn less than their more experienced coworkers. The median annual wage for the lowest 10% of earners in this role is less than $47,760.
In terms of how much an experienced radiology tech could make, the highest 10% earn more than $97,940. Being able to earn close to $100,000 is a good salary for a role that only requires an associate’s degree.
What is the Average Salary for a Radiology Tech?
While the median annual wage for a radiology tech is $67,180, where someone lives can greatly impact how much they stand to earn. For example:
• Florida radiology techs can expect to earn an average salary of $66,051.
• Those working in Oregon earn an annual salary of $108,714.
The following table sheds more light on how radiology tech salaries and hourly wages stack up.
It will give you a detailed look at how earnings vary by state.
What is the Average Radiology Tech Salary by State for 2023
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $108,714 | $9,059 | $2,090 | $52.27 |
| Alaska | $108,369 | $9,030 | $2,084 | $52.10 |
| North Dakota | $108,210 | $9,017 | $2,080 | $52.02 |
| Massachusetts | $107,274 | $8,939 | $2,062 | $51.57 |
| Hawaii | $105,948 | $8,829 | $2,037 | $50.94 |
| Washington | $104,410 | $8,700 | $2,007 | $50.20 |
| Nevada | $102,464 | $8,538 | $1,970 | $49.26 |
| South Dakota | $102,270 | $8,522 | $1,966 | $49.17 |
| Colorado | $101,476 | $8,456 | $1,951 | $48.79 |
| Rhode Island | $100,695 | $8,391 | $1,936 | $48.41 |
| Mississippi | $98,260 | $8,188 | $1,889 | $47.24 |
| New York | $97,174 | $8,097 | $1,868 | $46.72 |
| Delaware | $95,485 | $7,957 | $1,836 | $45.91 |
| Vermont | $94,853 | $7,904 | $1,824 | $45.60 |
| Virginia | $94,142 | $7,845 | $1,810 | $45.26 |
| Illinois | $93,946 | $7,828 | $1,806 | $45.17 |
| Maryland | $92,483 | $7,706 | $1,778 | $44.46 |
| Kansas | $92,447 | $7,703 | $1,777 | $44.45 |
| Nebraska | $90,537 | $7,544 | $1,741 | $43.53 |
| California | $90,046 | $7,503 | $1,731 | $43.29 |
| Missouri | $89,904 | $7,492 | $1,728 | $43.22 |
| South Carolina | $89,113 | $7,426 | $1,713 | $42.84 |
| Pennsylvania | $89,020 | $7,418 | $1,711 | $42.80 |
| New Jersey | $88,951 | $7,412 | $1,710 | $42.77 |
| Wisconsin | $88,122 | $7,343 | $1,694 | $42.37 |
| Maine | $87,977 | $7,331 | $1,691 | $42.30 |
| Oklahoma | $87,678 | $7,306 | $1,686 | $42.15 |
| North Carolina | $87,273 | $7,272 | $1,678 | $41.96 |
| New Hampshire | $86,552 | $7,212 | $1,664 | $41.61 |
| Idaho | $86,116 | $7,176 | $1,656 | $41.40 |
| Texas | $85,514 | $7,126 | $1,644 | $41.11 |
| Wyoming | $85,210 | $7,100 | $1,638 | $40.97 |
| Minnesota | $85,148 | $7,095 | $1,637 | $40.94 |
| Kentucky | $84,779 | $7,064 | $1,630 | $40.76 |
| New Mexico | $84,632 | $7,052 | $1,627 | $40.69 |
| Indiana | $84,108 | $7,009 | $1,617 | $40.44 |
| Michigan | $84,014 | $7,001 | $1,615 | $40.39 |
| Ohio | $82,756 | $6,896 | $1,591 | $39.79 |
| Arizona | $82,368 | $6,864 | $1,584 | $39.60 |
| Connecticut | $82,133 | $6,844 | $1,579 | $39.49 |
| Iowa | $81,424 | $6,785 | $1,565 | $39.15 |
| Montana | $81,128 | $6,760 | $1,560 | $39.00 |
| Arkansas | $80,164 | $6,680 | $1,541 | $38.54 |
| Alabama | $80,115 | $6,676 | $1,540 | $38.52 |
| Utah | $79,081 | $6,590 | $1,520 | $38.02 |
| Tennessee | $79,008 | $6,584 | $1,519 | $37.98 |
| Georgia | $74,633 | $6,219 | $1,435 | $35.88 |
| Louisiana | $74,343 | $6,195 | $1,429 | $35.74 |
| West Virginia | $68,751 | $5,729 | $1,322 | $33.05 |
| Florida | $66,051 | $5,504 | $1,270 | $31.76 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
Radiology Tech Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
Most radiologic and MRI technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight.
Almost six out of 10 radiology techs work in hospitals; about 20% work in medical offices. One thing to note is that, as you would expect, the job involves working with potentially dangerous radiation, so appropriate protective clothing may be worn and safety practices followed.
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Pros and Cons of Radiology Tech Salary
Because radiology techs stand to earn a solid income without having to pursue higher education, there aren’t any real disadvantages to their salary. The main disadvantage of the job though is being exposed to infectious diseases through patient interaction and equipment that uses radiation. Safety procedures are in place to help offset these risks, but some people may not find the salary worth it in light of the risks.
Benefits will of course vary depending on where a radiology tech works. Packages may include health insurance, paid sick days and vacations, retirement account matching contributions, and more.
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The Takeaway
Working as a radiology tech can be a great way to earn a living in the medical field without having to commit to the major time and expense that comes with pursuing careers like nursing or becoming a doctor. It can offer a solid salary, benefits, and the satisfying work of helping people with their health care.
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FAQ
Can you make 100k a year as a radiology tech?
It is possible to earn $100,000 a year as a radiology tech but being able to do so depends on what state someone works in, as well as other factors like experience. For example, the average annual salary of a radiologist tech in Oregon, Alaska, and North Dakota is well over $100,000.
Do people like being a radiology tech?
Being a radiology tech can be very enjoyable if someone finds the work interesting and if they enjoy interacting with patients. However, for those who don’t like being in a health care setting, repeating procedures, or working with potentially dangerous radiation, it may not be a good fit.
Is it hard to get hired as a radiology tech?
Those who want to work as a radiology tech and who have the required credentials should have no problem doing so. The job outlook for radiology techs is positive with a projected 6% growth from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Each year, approximately 15,700 job openings for this role are expected to be available.
Photo credit: iStock/monkeybusinessimages
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