Picking a healthcare career can feel like a huge choice. Some jobs need years of school and cost a lot to study. Others like being a radiology tech let you start working faster with good pay. In 2025 radiology techs salaries are going up making this job a great option for steady work solid income and helping people. This guide explains what you can earn the benefits you get and what the job is like so you know exactly whats ahead.
What is a Radiology Tech
A radiology technique sometimes called a radiological technologist takes pictures such as X-ray CT scan and MRI. These pictures help doctors find out what’s wrong with patients. The job combines the use of high –tech machines with people who care. Radiology ensures that patients feel relaxed, whether nervous or hurt.Some people say radiology technician instead of technologist but technologists often have more training which can mean better pay.
Why Choose a Radiology Tech Career
Radiology techs have a job thats in high demand and pays well. You do not need to spend years in medical school like doctors do. A two-year associate degree is usually enough to get started. The work is varied. One day you might be in a busy hospital and the next in a quiet clinic. If you like working with technology and helping people this job is a perfect match. It feels good to know your work helps doctors save lives.
Average Salary for Radiology Techs in 2025
In 2025 radiology will make about $74000 a year on average. Thats a lot more than the average U.S. worker who earns around $48000. This difference makes the job very appealing. How much you earn depends on where you work and what experience you have. For example a tech in a big city hospital usually makes more than one in a small rural clinic. Both still get pay thats better than many jobs with similar education.
Radiology Tech Hourly Wage
When you look at hourly pay radiology techs earn about $35.50 an hour in 2025. If you are just starting you might make around $26 an hour. With more experience or special skills you could earn over $45 an hour. In big cities like Los Angeles or Boston wages are higher because living costs are too. But in rural areas where rent and groceries are cheaper lower pay can still go a long way.
Entry-Level Radiology Tech Salary
If you are new to the field you can expect to earn about $54000 a year in 2025. Thats a great starting point for a job that only needs a two-year degree. As you work longer or get extra training your pay can grow fast. Many techs see their salaries go up within a few years especially if they move to a better-paying area or learn new skills.
Highest Paying States for Radiology Techs
Where you work changes how much you earn. In 2025 California pays radiology the most with salaries over $95000 a year.Other states such as Massachusetts Washington New York and Oregon also offer well between $ 83,000 and $ 88,000. These places have high costs such as costly rent or food, so you have to think about your wages and expenses while taking place to work.
Factors That Affect Radiology Tech Income
Your earnings depend on a few key things. Education is a big one. An associate degree gets you into the field but a bachelors degree can lead to better jobs with higher pay. Getting special certifications like for MRI or mammography can add thousands to your income each year. Experience makes a difference too. Techs who have worked for 10 years or more often earn 20 to 30 percent more than newbies. The place you work matters as well. Hospitals pay more than small clinics. Finally big cities pay more than small towns but the cost of living can balance things out.
Radiology Tech Career Growth
The future is bright for radiology techs. Experts at the Bureau of Labor Statistics say jobs will grow by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032. As more people especially older ones need imaging tests the need for techs will keep growing. This means you can feel good about job security. You can also move up by learning special skills like MRI or taking on bigger roles like managing an imaging team. Some techs even teach new students in radiology programs.
Radiology Tech Benefits Beyond Salary
Your paycheck is just part of what you get. Most radiology techs have health insurance that covers doctor visits dental care and eye exams. Many jobs offer retirement plans where your employer might add money to help you save. You also get paid vacation and sick days so you can take time off without losing money. Some places even pay for extra schooling so you can learn new skills without spending your own cash. These extras can be worth thousands making your job worth more than just your salary.
Comparing Radiology Tech Jobs by Workplace
Radiology tech jobs differ depending on where you work. In hospitals you might earn between $75000 and $90000 a year but you could work nights or weekends. The work is busy with lots of patients. Clinics have regular hours like 9-to-5 but pay a bit less usually $65000 to $75000. The pace is slower with fewer emergencies. Travel radiology techs make the most sometimes over $100000 a year but they move a lot taking short-term jobs in different cities. Each place has its own ups and downs so you can pick what works for you.
How Education Impacts Radiology Tech Salary
Education plays a big role in your pay. An associate degree is enough to start but a bachelors degree can get you higher-paying jobs like leading a team. Learning special skills like MRI or CT scans can also increase your income. For example an MRI tech might make $10000 more a year than someone doing just X-rays. Many employers pay for extra training so you can boost your skills without spending money. The more you learn the more you earn.
Real-World Salary Examples
To show how pay works lets look at two people. Jenna is a radiology tech in Texas with five years of experience. She works in a hospital has an X-ray certification and earns $78000 a year. She also takes overtime shifts which add $5000 to $10000 to her income. Marcus works in California as a CT scan specialist. With seven years of experience he makes $95000 at a busy city hospital. His extra training and location explain his higher pay. These stories show how experience skills and where you work shape your earnings.
Challenges in the Radiology Tech Field
The job has some tough parts. Radiology techs stand for long hours and move heavy machines which can tire you out. They work with patients who might be scared or in pain which can be hard on your emotions. In hospitals the work is fast-paced and you might have odd hours or be on call. Still many techs say the pay and the chance to help people make it worth it.
How to Become a Radiology Tech
Getting started as a radiology tech is simple. You need a two-year associate degree in radiologic technology. After that you take an exam from the ARRT to get certified. Some states also ask for a license. Once you are certified you can start working. Adding skills like MRI or CT can help you earn more. Many schools give you hands-on practice so you’re ready to work right after you finish.
Day in the Life of a Radiology Tech
A radiology techs day is busy and varied. You start by checking imaging machines to make sure they work. Then you meet patients explain their scans and help them feel at ease. You take pictures like X-rays or MRIs depending on your job. You work with doctors to make sure the images are clear. You also clean and maintain equipment to keep things safe. The mix of tech and patient care keeps the day interesting.
Future Trends for Radiology in 2025
Technology is changing this job. In 2025 tools like AI are helping techs read scans faster. Learning these tools can open better jobs. Demand for special scans like MRIs for brains or hearts is growing too. Staying up to date with new tech will help you stay ahead in the field.
FAQs
Radiology techs in 2025 earn about $74000 a year on average. That breaks down to around $35.50 an hour. This job is a great choice because it pays well offers steady work and lets you grow. California pays the most with salaries over $95000. Experience helps—techs with more years earn 20 to 30 percent more than starters. You need an associate degree to begin but extra training or a bachelors degree boosts pay. Jobs are growing with 6 percent more openings expected by 2032.
Conclusion
In 2025 radiology techs make great money starting at about $54000 and going up to $95000 or more in states like California. With a two-year degree you can enter a field with growing jobs good benefits and chances to move up. Whether you work in a hospital clinic or travel around the job mixes technology with helping people. If you want a rewarding career without years of school radiology tech is a smart pick.
