Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Associate's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Radiologic technologists and technicians (29-2034) work in a field that combines healthcare, technology, and hands-on patient interaction. National employment stands at 228,000, indicating a sizable workforce and established profession. The projected employment growth of 4.3% and 13,000 annual openings suggest ongoing demand for new entrants as well as replacement of existing workers. The national median annual salary of $77,660 shows that this path can provide solid earning potential. Typical preparation involves an associate’s degree, making the occupation accessible to those who want a healthcare career without a long time in school. Success in this role draws on a mix of technical and people-focused strengths, including science knowledge, comfort with computers and information technology, fine motor skills, and strong interpersonal, speaking, and listening abilities. For those exploring similar healthcare technology roles, related options include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, magnetic resonance imaging technologists, health technologists and technicians (all other), and medical equipment preparers.
Radiologic technologists and technicians earn a national median annual salary of $77,660, providing a solid income for an occupation that typically requires only an associate’s degree. Within this field, pay can vary significantly by location. Among the top states by CareerGPS opportunity score, California offers a median salary of $121,260, while Massachusetts and Washington provide median salaries of $103,620 and $102,090 respectively. New York’s median salary is $98,470, and Colorado’s is $87,760. Metro-level differences are even more pronounced. The San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA metro reports a median salary of $154,850, and the San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA metro reports $141,780. The New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ metro shows $102,730, while Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH offers $104,590 and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV reports $97,390. These figures highlight how choosing certain states or metro areas can significantly influence earning potential.
Radiologic technologists and technicians have a sizeable national employment base of 228,000, indicating an established occupation with many working professionals. Projected employment growth of 4.3% points to expansion over time, rather than a static or shrinking field. Additionally, 13,000 annual openings suggest a regular flow of opportunities, including positions created by growth and those arising from turnover or retirements. This combination of moderate projected growth and a meaningful number of openings each year can be attractive for students and career changers planning their training timeline. The consistent 4.3% growth figure also appears across several top states and metro areas, which may help prospective workers consider geographic mobility without losing sight of overall national trends. For those comparing options across related health technology roles, similar occupations include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, magnetic resonance imaging technologists, health technologists and technicians (all other), and medical equipment preparers.
Location choices can make a major difference for radiologic technologists and technicians. At the state level, California stands out with 20,900 employed and a median salary of $121,260, paired with a 4.3% growth rate and the highest listed opportunity score of 67.38. Massachusetts and New York also show strong patterns, with median salaries of $103,620 and $98,470 and opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78. Washington and Colorado offer median salaries of $102,090 and $87,760, with opportunity scores of 56.29 and 56.97. Metro areas show even more variation. The San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA metro has an opportunity score of 77.42 and a median salary of $154,850, while the New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ metro has a similar opportunity score of 77.27 and employment of 12,700. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV, and Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH also combine notable salaries with solid opportunity scores, giving mobile workers several high-opportunity options.
Radiologic technologists and technicians typically enter the field with an associate’s degree, which can be appealing to those seeking a healthcare role without a longer bachelor’s or graduate program. This educational path supports the blend of technical and patient-facing abilities required in the occupation. Strong science skills help professionals understand and apply relevant concepts, while comfort with computers and information technology supports work with modern imaging equipment and digital systems. Detail orientation and fine motor skills are important for performing precise, accurate tasks. Interpersonal skills, along with speaking and listening, are key for interacting effectively with patients and colleagues. Adaptability and physical strength and stamina also contribute to success, reflecting the need to respond to changing situations and handle physically demanding aspects of the work. Mechanical aptitude further supports working with complex equipment. Together, the associate’s degree foundation and this mix of skills create a well-rounded profile for entering and growing in the occupation.
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