Radiology technology has become one of the key components of modern healthcare, serving as a cornerstone for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. As demand for these skilled professionals continues to rise, so does the curiosity about how much they’re getting paid—and where. From bustling urban centers to quiet rural facilities, location plays a critical role in determining a radiologic technologist’s salary. But which states are really leading the pack?
TLDR: The demand for radiologic technologists continues to grow nationwide, but pay significantly varies by state. California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts are among the top-paying regions, driven by cost of living, healthcare demand, and union presence. Meanwhile, southern and midwestern states tend to offer lower wages. Understanding salary trends is essential for anyone entering or advancing in this field.
Radiologic Technologist: Role & Outlook
Radiologic technologists (commonly known as rad techs) specialize in performing imaging examinations like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Depending on their certification, they may also assist in advanced procedures like fluoroscopy and interventional radiography. With the healthcare sector rapidly evolving, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects radiologic tech employment to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, keeping pace with the national average for all occupations.
The average annual salary for a radiologic technologist in the United States as of 2023 was approximately $70,240. However, this average masks significant differences from one state to another. Let’s dive into where you’ll find the best-paying jobs in the nation for radiology techs—plus, what might be influencing these numbers.
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Radiology Techs
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry surveys in 2023 reveals the following high-paying states for radiologic technologists:
- California – $96,580
- Hawaii – $86,520
- Massachusetts – $83,200
- District of Columbia – $81,930
- Alaska – $81,470
- Oregon – $80,910
- Nevada – $78,650
- New Jersey – $77,820
- Washington – $76,390
- Connecticut – $75,760
California, as expected, leads the list due to its high cost of living, strong healthcare network, and concentration of world-class medical institutions. Union presence also plays an important role—many rad techs are part of unions that negotiate favorable wages and working conditions.
States like Hawaii and Massachusetts boast similarly high wages thanks to isolated job markets or high demand paired with lower labor supply. Interestingly, states with large rural areas like Alaska and Oregon also offer competitive salaries, often to attract skilled professionals to remote regions.
Lowest-Paying States: A Stark Contrast
On the flip side, some states consistently report lower average salaries for radiologic technologists. Here are the bottom five as of 2023:
- Mississippi – $55,010
- Arkansas – $56,340
- Alabama – $57,190
- West Virginia – $57,670
- Lousiana – $58,010
The reasons behind lower pay in these states are varied but often align with overall lower living costs, less unionization, and fewer top-tier healthcare employers. While employment rates may be stable, the supply of workers and financial limitations within the health system contribute to stagnant wage growth.
What Factors Influence Radiology Tech Salaries?
Salary differences go beyond simple geography. Several key factors shape what a radiology technologist can expect to earn:
1. Experience Level
Entry-level techs generally earn at the lower end of the scale, often starting around $50,000. With 5–10 years on the job, professionals can expect to earn mid-$70,000s or more, especially if working in a high-demand specialty or region.
2. Specialization
Some certifications command higher paychecks. For instance:
- MRI technologists – often paid more than general radiologic technologists.
- Computed Tomography (CT) technologists – tend to earn higher wages due to the complexity and precision of the technology.
- Interventional radiology assistants – salaries may soar higher due to the invasive and technical nature of the work.
3. Facility Type
Workplace setting can heavily impact compensation. According to industry surveys:
- Hospitals and trauma centers – usually pay more than outpatient clinics or private practices.
- Academic institutions – may offer lighter workloads but often less competitive salaries.
- Government or VA hospitals – might offer strong benefits, though not necessarily higher salaries.
4. Union Membership
Unionized healthcare workers tend to earn stronger salaries and more comprehensive benefits. Locations with high union density, such as California and New York, routinely show better pay metrics across most allied health professions.
Regional Trends and Migration
Many radiologic technologists are now considering relocation as a way to improve their financial standing. Given the flexibility and national credentialing available through ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists), it’s increasingly common for professionals from lower-paying areas to migrate to higher-paying states, especially early in their careers.
Yet, it’s not always about chasing the highest salary. Considerations such as cost of living, commute time, family presence, and professional development opportunities often weigh just as heavily when deciding where to work.
Education and Certification: Worth the Investment?
The radiologic technologist career path generally starts with an associate degree, though advanced roles may require a bachelor’s or further certifications. The good news is that the ROI (Return on Investment) tends to be excellent. With a moderate two-year educational commitment, newly certified technologists can step into a field where the national median pay hits around $34 per hour.
Additional certifications through the ARRT or in advanced modalities (like mammography, vascular sonography, or nuclear medicine) can unlock higher earning potential and are strongly recommended for those looking to climb the income ladder.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Moving for the Money?
If you’re an aspiring or current radiology technologist, it’s important to assess the job market with both your head and heart. While states like California and Massachusetts offer the most attractive salaries, they often come with a higher cost of living, stricter licensure requirements, and more competitive job landscapes.
Still, understanding these trends can help guide career planning. Whether you’re considering relocating, upskilling, or negotiating your next job offer, knowing where the money flows is powerful knowledge that can shape your professional future.
Pro Tip: Tools like salary comparison websites, geographic cost-of-living calculators, and radiologic tech association resources can give you a clearer picture before making a career move.
In the end, your passion for healthcare and helping others may lead you anywhere—but a solid paycheck along the way never hurts.