What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, and fluoroscopy to help physicians diagnose injuries and diseases. They position patients, operate imaging equipment, and ensure image quality while minimizing radiation exposure. Radiologic technologists play a crucial role in the diagnostic process across healthcare settings.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech), Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Imaging Technologist (Imaging Tech), Mammographer, Radiographer, Radiologic Technologist (RT), Radiology Technician (Radiology Tech), Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT (R)).
Radiologic Technologist Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a radiologic technologist include:
- Position patients correctly on examination tables and adjust imaging equipment to obtain optimal diagnostic images.
- Operate X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and fluoroscopy equipment following established safety protocols.
- Apply radiation protection measures including lead shielding and collimation to minimize patient and staff exposure.
- Review images for quality and clarity, retaking images when necessary to ensure diagnostic accuracy.
- Prepare and administer contrast media under physician supervision for enhanced imaging studies.
- Maintain accurate patient records, including imaging histories and examination documentation.
- Calibrate and perform routine maintenance on imaging equipment, reporting malfunctions to biomedical engineering.
- Explain imaging procedures to patients, address their concerns, and ensure their comfort throughout the examination.
- Collaborate with radiologists and referring physicians to determine appropriate imaging protocols.
- Follow infection control procedures and maintain a clean, safe imaging environment at all times.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a radiologic technologist, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Diagnostic imaging equipment operation
- Radiation safety and protection
- Patient positioning techniques
- Anatomy and physiology knowledge
- Image quality assessment
- Contrast media administration
- Attention to detail and precision
- PACS and digital imaging systems
Education and Training
Radiologic technologists typically need an associate degree in radiologic technology, though bachelor degree programs are also available and may improve advancement opportunities. Programs must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduates must pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam to become registered. Most states require licensure or certification, and continuing education is required to maintain credentials. Additional certifications in CT, MRI, or mammography can expand career options.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $64,810 - $98,750 per year, with a median of $80,110.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians.
Advances in imaging technology will also create new applications for radiologic procedures. Technologists with certifications in multiple imaging modalities such as CT and MRI will have the best job prospects. Outpatient imaging centers and physician offices are expected to see the fastest growth in hiring.
Radiologic Technologist Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $55,980 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $64,810 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $80,110 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $98,750 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $118,660 |
Highest-Paying States for Radiologic Technologists
The states with the highest median pay for this occupation are California ($121,260), Massachusetts ($103,620), District of Columbia ($102,770), Oregon ($102,290), Washington ($102,090). Pay is lowest in Arkansas ($63,640), Alabama ($60,700), Mississippi ($59,300).
Median pay in all 51 states with BLS data
| State | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $60,700 |
| Alaska | $98,920 |
| Arizona | $89,200 |
| Arkansas | $63,640 |
| California | $121,260 |
| Colorado | $87,760 |
| Connecticut | $91,970 |
| Delaware | $84,210 |
| District of Columbia | $102,770 |
| Florida | $76,750 |
| Georgia | $74,550 |
| Hawaii | $101,700 |
| Idaho | $80,080 |
| Illinois | $79,930 |
| Indiana | $77,640 |
| Iowa | $65,930 |
| Kansas | $76,070 |
| Kentucky | $69,670 |
| Louisiana | $63,680 |
| Maine | $80,080 |
| Maryland | $85,890 |
| Massachusetts | $103,620 |
| Michigan | $76,420 |
| Minnesota | $83,400 |
| Mississippi | $59,300 |
| Missouri | $73,080 |
| Montana | $77,070 |
| Nebraska | $72,860 |
| Nevada | $82,910 |
| New Hampshire | $84,910 |
| New Jersey | $95,000 |
| New Mexico | $79,940 |
| New York | $98,470 |
| North Carolina | $74,450 |
| North Dakota | $67,790 |
| Ohio | $78,320 |
| Oklahoma | $74,160 |
| Oregon | $102,290 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,050 |
| Rhode Island | $85,330 |
| South Carolina | $69,600 |
| South Dakota | $65,240 |
| Tennessee | $64,630 |
| Texas | $78,630 |
| Utah | $81,000 |
| Vermont | $94,540 |
| Virginia | $80,670 |
| Washington | $102,090 |
| West Virginia | $74,150 |
| Wisconsin | $79,140 |
| Wyoming | $77,860 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as radiologic technologists and technicians about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 95% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 94% are exposed to disease or infection every day
- 94% are on the phone every day
- 93% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 88% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
- 87% use their hands on tools, objects or controls for more than half the day
- 72% use email every day
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Associate's degree | 73% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 17% |
| Bachelor's degree | 11% |
Tools and Software Radiologic Technologists Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Service Orientation, Monitoring.
Knowledge areas used most: Medicine and Dentistry, Customer and Personal Service, English Language, Computers and Electronics, Administrative.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 3 of 5, which means medium preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for a Radiologic Technologist Job
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 29-2034.00 (Radiologic Technologists and Technicians). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.