Radiologic technologists in the US earn a median of $80,110 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $64,810 and $98,750, and the top 10% earn more than $118,660 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $80,000 to $99,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do radiologic technologists make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $55,980 |
| 25th | $64,810 |
| Median | $80,110 |
| 75th | $98,750 |
| 90th | $118,660 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Radiologic Technologists and Technicians, national, about 230,490 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where radiologic technologists earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| California | $121,260 | $137,770 |
| Massachusetts | $103,620 | $122,900 |
| District of Columbia | $102,770 | $111,390 |
| Oregon | $102,290 | $111,810 |
| Washington | $102,090 | $121,560 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a radiologic technologist?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $65,000–$80,000 | $84,000 |
| 3–5 years | $80,000–$99,000 | $104,000 |
| 6–10 years | $88,000–$105,000 | $110,000 |
| 10+ years | $99,000–$119,000 | $125,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives radiologic technologist pay?
Radiologic technologists take X-rays and other diagnostic images and keep patients positioned and safe. Pay depends a lot on the modalities you're certified in — CT, MRI or mammography often pay more than general X-ray — and on shifts, call and the setting.
- Modalities and registries beyond general radiography, such as CT, MRI or mammography.
- Shift differentials for evenings, nights and weekends.
- Call pay and call-back minimums.
- Setting: hospital, outpatient imaging center or urgent care.
Your leverage as a radiologic technologist
- Cross-training in a second modality the department needs.
- Willingness to cover nights, weekends or call.
- Experience with trauma, OR or portable imaging.
- Training new techs or students.
- Low repeat rates and strong patient-safety records.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Radiologic technologist objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “Our differentials are set by policy.” | “Understood. Could we look at the base step I start on, given my CT registry?” |
| “We'll pay for your MRI training later.” | “That's great. Can we put the training date and the pay increase after certification in writing?” |
| “Travel techs are paid differently.” | “I'm not comparing to travel pay — I'm comparing to staff pay for this role in our area.” |
| “Everyone starts at the bottom of the scale.” | “With [number] years and two modalities, which step would match my experience?” |
Sample counter offer for a radiologic technologist
Thanks for the offer — I'm excited about the department. With my ARRT registry in [modality] and [number] years in a hospital setting, I'm asking for [rate or salary], plus the night differential. The national median for radiologic technologists is $80,110.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a radiologic technologist
The cleanest raise path is usually a new modality. Ask what certifications the department needs, agree on a training plan, and get the pay step after certification in writing.