Radiology Tech Career Guide 2025: Salary, Schooling & How to Get Started

How much does a radiology tech make in 2025? Learn about radiology tech salaries, education, school time, and how to become one step-by-step.

Radiology techs (radiologic technologists) play a vital role in healthcare by operating imaging equipment (X-ray, CT, MRI, etc.) to help doctors diagnose patients. This career is in high demand: the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for radiologic technologists from 2023–33 (faster than average). In 2025, radiology techs enjoy a strong median salary (about $78K in 2024) and a quick training path. Most start with a 2-year associate program (often finishing in 18–24 months). A radiology tech career promises a stable, tech-focused healthcare job (with flexible settings) – roughly 60% work in hospitals and others in clinics or labs. This guide covers everything from radiology tech salary to schooling requirements, training steps, and tips on getting started.

What Does a Radiology Tech Do?

A radiology tech performs diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRI, mammography, etc.) to assist physicians. Your day-to-day might include operating imaging machines, positioning patients safely, and ensuring clear images. For example, radiology techs “operate various imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines, to obtain high-quality images”. You’ll prepare patients (explain procedures, answer questions, help them get into position) and apply radiation safety protocols (using lead shields and careful techniques). You’ll also check image quality and often collaborate with radiologists to confirm diagnoses. In short, a radiology tech’s job balances patient care and technical tasks: you’re both easing patients through scans and managing advanced imaging technology.

Most radiology techs are certified or licensed. In fact, almost all states require radiologic technologists to have a credential (typically via the ARRT exam). After finishing an accredited radiology program, you’ll usually take the ARRT certification exam (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) to become licensed. Ongoing training is also part of the job: certified techs must earn continuing education credits (24 credits every 2 years) to keep their license current.

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in 2025?

Wondering how much does a radiology tech make? Radiology techs earn a solid middle-class salary. According to the BLS, the median annual pay was about $77,660 in May 2024. In other words, half of radiology techs made more than ~$78K and half made less. Entry-level radiology tech salaries start in the $50K–$60K range, while experienced techs (especially in high-cost areas or specialties) can top six figures.

State and setting matter. Pay varies by location. For example, ZipRecruiter reports the average radiology tech in New Jersey (June 2025 data) makes about $96,646/year. In general, salaries tend to be higher in big-city or high-cost states, and lower in rural areas. You’ll also see differences by workplace: outpatient imaging centers often pay slightly more on average than hospitals or labs. BLS data show median wages by industry: outpatient centers $81,000, hospitals $78,560, medical labs $76,770, and doctor offices around $66,060 (all figures annual). These variations mean your pay can grow with experience, location choice, and additional certifications (for example, specializing as an MRI or CT tech usually comes with pay bumps).

In summary, Radiologic technologist salary 2025 is competitive. If you’re evaluating this career, keep in mind: starting pay is often in the high $40K–$50K range, but nationally the median is roughly $78K. In top states it can approach $90K–$100K. To gauge your potential, check resources like the BLS or salary surveys, and remember experience and skills (e.g. being ARRT-certified in multiple modalities) can push your salary higher.

How to Become a Radiologic technologist – Step-by-Step

If you’re asking how to become a radiology tech, here’s the typical path. The cornerstone is education and certification. Below are the main steps:

1. Get the right education. Enroll in an accredited radiologic technology program (typically an associate’s degree). Most radiology techs complete a 2-year associate’s in radiography or radiologic technology, which includes classroom work and clinical rotations. A few schools also offer 4-year bachelor’s programs (or post-graduate certificates). Online or blended programs exist too, but make sure they include hands-on clinical labs. Accredited programs (by the JRCERT) cover anatomy, imaging techniques, patient care, radiation physics, and safety. In high school or prereqs, focus on math and science courses (biology, physics, chemistry) to prepare.
2. Earn clinical experience. While in school, complete the required clinical rotations (often 1,000+ supervised lab hours). These take place in hospitals or clinics where you learn by helping real patients under supervision. This on-the-job training is critical to build your skills in operating X-ray, CT, MRI machines, and working with radiologists.
3. Get certified (ARRT) and licensed. After graduating, you’ll typically sit for the ARRT certification exam in Radiography (or MRI/CT if you specialized). Passing ARRT gives you the credential “R.T.(R)” and is required or preferred in nearly all states. You may also need to apply for a state license (requirements vary by state). Once certified, you’re officially a radiologic technologist – congratulations!
4. Maintain certification and consider specialties. As a working radiology tech, you must renew your ARRT credential every 2 years by earning 24 continuing education credits. Many techs also pursue additional certifications (post-primary ARRT exams) in modalities like CT, MRI, sonography, or mammography to advance their career.

Key certifications: The ARRT Radiography exam is the core licensure. After that, you might certify in specialties (e.g. ARRT CT or ARRT MRI). Some states allow you to do entry-level imaging first (like general radiography) and then cross-train into MRI or CT on the job. Continuing education (24 hours biennially) keeps your license active.

Putting it together, how to become a radiology tech boils down to: complete an accredited radiography program, pass the ARRT exam, and obtain any required state license. Following these steps will have you ready to start an entry-level radiology tech job. From there, you can build experience and specialize further.

How Long Is Radiology Tech School?

A common question is “how long is radiology tech school?” or “how long does it take to become a radiology tech?” The answer: typically about 2 years for full-time schooling. Most radiology tech programs are Associate’s degrees that take 2 years (about 4 semesters) of study. Part-time students may take up to 3 years. Some schools offer accelerated tracks: with intensive schedules, you can finish in ~18 months. Certificate programs (rare in radiography) can be 1 year, but they still lead to taking the ARRT exam.

If you want a Bachelor’s degree, plan for about 4 years full-time (some programs stretch to 6 years for part-time students). However, a bachelor’s is optional – most radiology techs work with an Associate’s and ARRT certification.

Online vs On-campus: Many schools offer hybrid programs. The didactic (lecture) portion can be done online, but you’ll still need on-site clinical labs for hands-on practice. Whether online or in person, ensure the program is JRCERT-accredited.

Prerequisites: Radiology tech programs generally require a high school diploma with strong grades in sciences. You may need to complete basic courses (like college algebra, anatomy, or medical terminology) before starting the core radiography curriculum. At a minimum, take high-school or college coursework in anatomy, biology, physics and math to meet entry requirements.

In short, plan on about 2 years of school (full-time) to become a radiology tech. So if you’re asking “how long does it take to become a radiology tech?”, expect roughly 18–24 months for the degree plus exam prep and licensing time. Programs may offer faster tracks, but they still include extensive clinical hours. Always check the curriculum and accreditation – the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) provides a list of accredited programs to ensure your schooling counts towards licensure.

Is Radiologic technologist a Good Career Choice in 2025?

Job outlook: Yes – radiology tech is a solid career choice in 2025. As mentioned, BLS projects about 6% job growth through 2033, driven by an aging population needing more imaging tests. That means thousands of new jobs each year nationwide. So if you like healthcare and technology, a radiology tech job offers stability.

Salary & Lifestyle: The pay is good for an entry-level healthcare role. Radiologic technologist typically work regular hours (some 8- or 10-hour shifts), often avoiding the night/weekend on-call work typical of doctors. Hospitals may run 24/7, but many radiology techs work daytime shifts or follow rotating schedules. Overall work-life balance is generally good. radiologic technologist often report high job satisfaction – you get to help patients by diagnosing health issues, while working with cutting-edge machines.

Advancement and specialization: A Radiologic technologist career has clear advancement paths. For example, you can specialize in advanced imaging. With extra training, you might become an MRI technologist (focusing only on MRI scans) or a CT technologist. Programs exist to cross-train, and employers pay more for techs with these skills. You could also become a mammography technologist (breast imaging), which requires an associate degree plus 40 hours of mammography-specific training. Over time, you might move into supervisory or management roles (such as lead tech or radiology department manager) if you pursue more education or certifications.

Good fit for tech-lovers: If you enjoy both patient interaction and working with technology, radiology tech is ideal. You’ll gain expertise in anatomy and imaging, operate complex equipment, and still have direct patient contact. Plus, the variety of workplace options (hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers) means you can find a setting that suits your lifestyle.

In short, a radiology tech career combines strong job demand, a healthy salary, and a manageable training time. It’s a rewarding healthcare support job for people who like science and caring for patients. And with ongoing demand for imaging services, radiology tech jobs should remain secure and growing in 2025 and beyondbls.gov.

Conclusion & Next Steps

In summary, a radiology tech in 2025 can expect a median salary around $78K, with higher pay in certain states or specialties. Becoming one usually means completing an accredited Associate’s program (about 2 years), passing the ARRT exam, and earning state licensure. This career path offers fast training, strong job growth, and a stable healthcare job working with interesting technology.

Ready to get started? Consider enrolling in a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program. Talk to current radiology techs or school advisors to learn about clinical training and exam prep. You can also explore related fields – our Best Allied Health Careers in 2025 guide lists other high-demand options. For more on radiology tech training and professional standards, check out organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) or the BLS Occupational Outlook. Taking those first steps can set you on a path to a rewarding radiology tech career.

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Sources: Official data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry surveys, plus expert career resources. These sources provide up-to-date info on radiology tech salaries, education requirements, and job outlook.