Radiologic Technologist Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$65,000
national median salary
$54,000 to $78,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$91,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$68,000
Princeton, NJ
Lowest Paying
$49,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Radiologic Technologist salary in the United States is $65,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $54,000 at the 25th percentile to $78,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $91,000, while Princeton offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Modality specialization is the primary pay driver, with CT, MRI, and interventional radiology techs earning significantly more than general X-ray techs.
Radiologic Technologist salary by city
Skills that increase Radiologic Technologist pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Radiologic Technologists based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $9,100 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$9,100 per year
≈ +$8,450 per year
≈ +$7,800 per year
≈ +$7,150 per year
≈ +$7,150 per year
≈ +$6,500 per year
≈ +$6,500 per year
≈ +$5,850 per year
What you should know
Modality specialization is the primary pay driver, with CT, MRI, and interventional radiology techs earning significantly more than general X-ray techs. ARRT certification is the baseline, and additional modality registries add incremental pay. Hospital size, shift availability, and metropolitan location also influence salary levels.
General X-ray techs start at $52,000 to $58,000. Adding CT or MRI certification brings pay to $65,000 to $78,000 within three to five years. Lead techs or imaging supervisors earn $80,000 to $95,000 with departmental oversight and quality assurance responsibilities.
Rad techs receive shift differentials for evenings and weekends, CE reimbursement, and comprehensive benefits. On-call pay for trauma and emergency imaging adds $3,000 to $8,000 annually. Some hospitals offer modality certification bonuses.