Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Also called: Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech) · Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) · Imaging Technologist (Imaging Tech) · Mammographer · Radiographer · Radiologic Technologist (RT)
Median pay (national)
$77,660
$52,360–$106,990 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
223,460
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.3%
~12,900 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for radiologic technologists and technicians shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $106,990 versus $52,360 at the bottom 10% — 2.0x. The median of $77,660 leaves roughly 38% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.3% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 12,900 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, California pays the most for this role (median $107,670, +39% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $29,340 — a 267% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags R as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Science
- Mathematics
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
- Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
- Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
- Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
- Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill or injured patients or patients with disabilities.
- Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
Tools & technology
- R
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- MEDITECH software
- Diagnostic and procedural coding software
- Diagnostic image review software
- Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Film processor tracking and management software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- GE Healthcare ViewPoint Solutions
- Information management subsystem software
- Information systems integration software
- Internet or intranet image distribution software
- Medical condition coding software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Practice management software PMS
Knowledge areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Psychology