Radiology Tech Salary by State

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average for radiologic technicians was $76,020 as of 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than  $112.420. Payscale.com reports an annual average salary of $56,690 or $25.61 per hour. 

Via ZipRecruiter

Radiology technicians have the ability to earn a higher hourly wage with increased experience. According to Payscale.com, radiology technicians earn the following, 

• Less than 1 years of experience earn an average hourly salary of $22.90
• 1-4 years of experience earn an average hourly salary of $23.50
• 5-9 years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $24.73
• 10-19 years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $30.01
• 20+ years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $28.91

Radiology technicians can work in a variety of settings, wherever patients may need radiologic services such as x-rays and MRI and CT scans. According to the BLS, radiology technicians earn the following salaries in these most common locations:

• Federal government, excluding postal service - $85,220
• Outpatient care centers - $78,480
• Hospitals; state, local, and private - $75,930
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories - $75,210
• Offices of physicians - $62,240

>> Related: Best Online Radiology Technician Programs 

 If you’re interested in increasing your earnings potential as a radiology technician, you have several good options. 

Negotiation

This might be uncomfortable but it is one of the most effective methods of getting an increase in pay. Radiology technicians with more years of experience and increased levels of training will find an easier time negotiating for a higher salary. The key to an effective negotiation is to do your research. Make sure you know what other facilities in your area are paying for people who have your qualifications. 

Overtime

Radiology technicians who work overtime are entitled to increased pay for their additional work hours. Generally, this is considered time and a half pay.  In most cases, this means working over 40 hours a week. 

The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that all "non-exempt" employees must receive overtime pay equal to one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour over 40 hours worked during a work week. 

Per Diem or Contract Employment

Per diem and contract employees earn a higher wage than staff members. They are paid a premium for working less desirable shifts as well as having shifts canceled at any given time. 

Shift Differential

Radiology technicians may have an opportunity to earn more income without increasing the number of hours they work. A shift differential means making increased per-hour pay for working nights, weekends, or holidays.

Hazard Pay

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, hazard pay means “additional pay for performing a hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship.” It may also include work duty that causes “extreme physical discomfort and distress. 

All radiology technicians are required to have, at the minimum, an associate degree in radiology. An associate's degree can be earned at a local community college and can easily cost less than $5,000. The average annual salary for radiology technicians is substantially higher, so the degree is well worth the income you can expect to make. 

Medical Sonographer

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $84,470 in May 2023. 

Cardiovascular Technician

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $80,850 in May 2023. 

MRI Technician

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for MRI technologists was $66,170 in May 2023. 

Respiratory Therapist (RT)

The average annual respiratory therapist salary in the US is $77,960 as of May 2023, per the BLS. 

• Is it hard to become a radiology technician?  

  • Becoming a radiology technician requires the successful completion of an associate's degree in radiology and a comprehensive hospital orientation process. 

• How much do radiology technicians make? 

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average for radiologic technicians was $76,020 as of 2023. 

• What state pays the highest salaries to radiation technicians?

  • According to ZipRecruiter, radiology technicians working in the state of Washington earn an average annual salary of $108,615, making it the highest-paying state.