A Knowledge of the Radiology Tech Salary Outlook in 2026 if You Are Pursuing or Already Working as a Radiologic Technologist If You Are Considering a Career as a Radiologic Technologist or Already Working as One Familiarization with the Radiology Tech Salary Landscape is Key to Making Smart Career Decisions This is the ultimate guide whether you are a recent nursing school graduate weighing your options or a registered nurse veteran considering relocating or specializing, learn about the average pay, hourly rates, state-by-state breakdowns, specialty premium, and the impact of experience on your base earnings.
So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look into what the radiology tech salary is this year and the factors that make it go up or down.
What Is a Radiology Tech? A Quick Overview
Radiology tech (also known as a radiologic technologist or simply radiographer) is a healthcare role that primarily performs diagnostic imaging such as X-Rays, CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, and mammography. They assist in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions under the direction of radiologists and physicians.
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification is available to would-be radiologic technologists, who may also pursue further credentials in subspecialties. They are a necessity in practically every hospital, outpatient imaging center, urgent care clinic, and physicians office.
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What Is the Average Salary for Radiology Tech in 2026?
As a job seeker, one of the most common questions you might find yourself wondering is: what is the average salary for a radiology tech in today’s market?
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and recent compensation surveys, average salary for radiology tech in 2026 range from $68,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience, subspecialty and geography. This is a significant rise from 2024, indicating increasing need for adept imaging specialists.
In most cases, the average radiology tech salary per hourly wage is in the range of $32 to $42, meaning entry-level techs will be on the lower end (even lower in rural areas), and experienced or specializations can see pay well above $45/hour.
National Salary Overview Table 2026
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (Avg) | Hourly Rate (Avg) |
| Entry Level (0–2 yrs) | $52,000 – $58,000 | $25 – $28/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–6 yrs) | $62,000 – $72,000 | $30 – $35/hr |
| Experienced (7–12 yrs) | $73,000 – $85,000 | $35 – $41/hr |
| Senior / Lead (12+ yrs) | $85,000 – $100,000+ | $41 – $48/hr |
| Travel / Contract | $90,000 – $130,000+ | $45 – $62/hr |
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Entry Level Radiology Tech Salary: Where Do You Start?
Entry Level Radiology Tech Salary as a new grad, the salary can be lower than for your more seasoned counterparts, but it is still well compensated, especially compared to other healthcare support roles.
Data collected in 2026 found that the average entry Level Radiology Tech Salary in the U.S. is between $52,000 to $58,000 per year. Even beginners in high cost-of-living states such as California or New York saw this rise to $60,000–$65,000.
Here are some of the factors that drive up starting salary:
- ARRT certification in multiple modalities
- Completion of an accredited, high-quality program
- Availability to work nights or weekends
- Choosing a high-demand geographic market
Wondering how much is a radiology tech salary? Your gross income will be on par with most bachelor’s degree careers and just gets better from there.
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Radiology Tech Salary by State in 2026
Geographic Region Geographic region is one of the biggest contributors to radiology tech salary. Alike credentials and experience can give you vastly different paychecks just based on where you work. This is how the states compare when it comes to the most searched and states that have highest traffic.
Radiology Tech Salary California
Radiologic technologists are typically one of the highest-paid jobs in the state (more information on California’s 10 highest paying jobs in 2023). In 2026, radiology tech salary California average is 85K-$100K/year with the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles breaking though the roof even higher!
This premium radiology tech salary California is mainly driven by a high cost of living, the high degree of unionization that exists within healthcare, and high demand from a large and aging population.
Radiology Tech Salary Texas
Texas is one of the fastest-growing healthcare markets out there. Average Radiology tech salary Texas is about $62,000 to $72,000 within 2026. Houston, Dallas and Austin are on par or above average nationally.
Radiology tech salary Texas does not have any state income tax, so take-home pay is significantly higher than in high tax states such as California or New York a considerable bonus for workers comparing total compensation.
Radiology Tech Salary Florida
Florida, everything that is a hotbed of retirements and a thriving medical imaging market. Radiology tech salary Florida average salary in 2026, between US$58,000 and US$68,000 per year.
The average radiology tech salary Florida is just below the national average base pay but, similar to Texas, there is no state income tax in Florida making real take home earnings even better. This strong demand is seen in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville.
Radiology Tech Salary Georgia
The healthcare business in Georgia has rapidly grown larger. Radiology tech salary Georgia 2026The average radiology tech salary Georgia ranges from around $57,000 to $67,000 per year. Salary at the high end, because Atlanta is a regional healthcare hub.
Ongoing investments in rural infrastructure and telehealth in Georgia are further expanding the number of radiology jobs outside of Atlanta, which is helping to keep the radiology tech salary Georgia climbing.
Radiology Tech Salary NYC
I have it set in New York City which is already one of the highest-paying metro areas in the nation. In 2026, the radiology tech salary NYC averages between $80,000 and $95,000 per year, while senior and specialty techs earn six figures.
The radiology tech salary NYC is just less than optimal to reflect in the really high cost of living, however the highly competitive market makes hospital systems and large imaging centers willing to pay premium wages in order to secure talent.
State-by-State Salary Comparison Table 2026
| State | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | State Income Tax |
| California | $85,000 – $100,000 | $41 – $48 | Yes (high) |
| New York (NYC) | $80,000 – $95,000 | $38 – $46 | Yes (high) |
| Washington | $78,000 – $90,000 | $37 – $43 | No |
| Massachusetts | $75,000 – $88,000 | $36 – $42 | Yes |
| Texas | $62,000 – $72,000 | $30 – $35 | No |
| Florida | $58,000 – $68,000 | $28 – $33 | No |
| Georgia | $57,000 – $67,000 | $27 – $32 | Yes |
| Ohio | $58,000 – $68,000 | $28 – $33 | Yes |
| Illinois | $63,000 – $73,000 | $30 – $35 | Yes |
| Arizona | $60,000 – $70,000 | $29 – $34 | Yes |
| Colorado | $65,000 – $75,000 | $31 – $36 | Yes |
| North Carolina | $57,000 – $66,000 | $27 – $32 | Yes |
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Specialty Salaries: How Subspecialization Boosts Your Pay
Getting certified in subspecialty is one of the best practices to help you boost your radiology tech salary high. Very different rates are commanded across different modalities and clinical settings.
Interventional Radiology Tech Salary
Interventional radiology tech salary is one of the most highly paid imaging salaries. Interventional radiology (IR) techs support minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty, stent placing, embolization, and biopsies using live imaging guidance.
The average interventional radiology tech salary for 2026 is $80,000 to $105,000 per year or $38 to $50 per hour. In metropolitan areas or busy trauma centers, total compensation (including overtime) can approach or exceed $120,000 per year.
Interventional radiology tech salary also reflects the more complex, high-stake nature of IR procedures, which involve specialties in contrast agents, sterile technique, vascular anatomy, and detail-oriented work for radiography techs. ARRT Cardiovascular-Interventional (CV) certification is usually needed.
Pediatric Radiology Tech Salary
Child-specific patient care skills and imaging protocols This skill-level is reflected in the pediatric radiology tech salary, which averages between $68,000 and $85,000 per year in 2026.
Pediatric radiology tech salary is generally higher at children’s hospitals and academic medical centers. Physical skills needed by techs like minimizing the radiation dose while keeping enough quality in the image for diagnostic purposes are some of the most challenging skills to master in a rewarding specialty.
The highest Pediatric Radiology Tech salary packages, including full benefits, outstanding tuition reimbursement programs, and ample PTO can be found with such top employers as Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Boston Children’s, and Texas Children’s Hospital.
Specialty Salary Comparison Table 2026
| Specialty | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
| General Radiography | $63,000 – $72,000 | $30 – $35 |
| CT Technologist | $70,000 – $85,000 | $34 – $41 |
| MRI Technologist | $75,000 – $92,000 | $36 – $44 |
| Interventional Radiology | $80,000 – $105,000 | $38 – $50 |
| Mammography | $65,000 – $78,000 | $31 – $38 |
| Nuclear Medicine | $78,000 – $95,000 | $37 – $46 |
| Pediatric Radiology | $68,000 – $85,000 | $33 – $41 |
| Ultrasound (RDMS) | $72,000 – $90,000 | $35 – $43 |
| PET/CT | $80,000 – $98,000 | $38 – $47 |
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Travel Radiology Tech Salary: The Highest-Earning Path
Travel radiology tech salary is hard to beat if you need to maximize your income while you explore the country. Travel radiology techs accept temporary contracts (usually 8–13 weeks) at hospitals and imaging centers experiencing staffing shortages.
How Much Is a Travel Radiology Tech Salary in 2026?
As of 2026, the average annual travel radiology tech salary is about $90,000 to $130,000 per year in total compensation, with top earners netting $140,000 or more for high-demand crisis markets.
One unique aspect of traveling radiology tech salary is its structure: a taxable hourly base rate, plus tax-free housing, meals, and incidental reimbursements. And finally, it is one of the factors that is helping the traveling radiology tech salary to sound even sexier than it looks on paper.
Travel vs. Staff Salary Comparison
| Category | Staff Radiology Tech | Travel Radiology Tech |
| Annual Base Pay | $63,000 – $80,000 | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $30 – $38/hr | $45 – $65/hr |
| Housing | Self-paid | Stipend provided |
| Benefits | Full (employer-paid) | Agency health plan |
| Flexibility | Fixed location | High mobility |
| Job Security | Permanent | Contract-based |
| Tax Advantage | Standard | Non-taxed stipends |
Famous travel staffing agencies for radiologic technologists include AMN Healthcare, Aya Healthcare, Supplemental Health Care, Fusion Medical Staffing, etc.
Best States for Travel Radiology Tech Salary
States with Long-Term Staffing Shortages Provide the Largest Travel Radiology Tech Salary Packages
- California: $65+/hour + in crisis rates
- NYC: Base Pay High + NYC Stipend
- Alaska: The remote location premiums bring total compensation very high
- Hawaii: Low Inventory & High Demand = Phenomenal Rates
- Washington: No income tax + strong demand = Great Pay
Radiology Tech Salary Per Hour: Breaking It Down
All these folks think in hourly, especially side by side staff jobs with travel contracts or per diem. Based on the above, here’s what the radiology tech salary per hour will look like for each of the settings in 2026:
Hourly Pay by Work Setting
| Work Setting | Radiology Tech Salary Per Hour |
| Hospital (Staff) | $30 – $42/hr |
| Outpatient Imaging Center | $28 – $38/hr |
| Physician’s Office / Clinic | $26 – $34/hr |
| Urgent Care | $28 – $36/hr |
| Travel / Contract (Agency) | $45 – $65/hr |
| Per Diem (PRN) | $38 – $55/hr |
| Government / VA Hospital | $35 – $48/hr |
Night shifts, weekends and holidays typically carry a differential of 10–25% which can supplement this annual radiology tech salary per hour quite a bit for those who are willing to work non-traditional hours.
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Factors That Affect Radiology Tech Salary
Knowing what is a radiology tech salary is based on helps to plan your career strategy. Here are the primary drivers:
1. Geographic Location
As the state breakdown suggests, location is the sole defining factor. Coastal metros – and no income tax states – provide the largest total compensation.
2. Specialization and Certifications
Every ARRT credential after that (MRI, CT, mammography, and interventional) increases your yearly radiology tech salary by about $5000–$15,000.
3. Experience and Tenure
Experience has a direct, multiplicative effect. You will also see that a tech with 10 years of experience earns 30–40% more pay than a new grad.
4. Work Setting
Outpatients clinics generally cover much less than hospitals and trauma centers. However, base salary for radiology tech may be somewhat low at academic medical centers but other benefits can be much better.
5. Education Level
While the minimum education is an associate’s degree, earning a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology can enable a radiologist technician to achieve promotions more quickly and enter management routes, which brings a higher salary of radiology tech.
6. Shift Differentials and Overtime
An Employee Radiologic Technologist salary, on the other hand, with night shift, weekend and holiday differentials can add an additional $8,000–$20,000 a year to a staff radiology tech salary.
7. Union Membership
In unionized states, such as California, New York, and Maryland, unionized radiology techs tend to make 10%–20% more than their non-unionized counterparts, with greater benefits.
Benefits and Total Compensation
Keep in mind those salary radiology tech offers go beyond base pay. According to most data, a full compensation package has:
- Medical, dental, and vision: $8,000–$18,000/year
- 401k 403b with employer match: Retirement Plans
- Paid Time Off: These are generally 3–4 weeks for staff jobs.
- Continuing Education Allowance: $1,500–$5,000/year
- Night, evening, weekend shift (10–25% markup)
- Tuition Reimbursement: as much as $10,000/year for work at top-tier health systems
- Certification Reimbursement: employer pays for fees to ARRT
- Relocation Assistance: commonly offered with rural recruitment packs
In addition to these standards for travel techs, total compensation packages are made up of housing stipends ($1,500–$3,500/month), meal allowances ($250–$500/week) and sometimes completion bonuses of $1,000–$5,000.
Job Outlook for Radiology Techs in 2026
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by:
- An aging baby boom population leading to greater demand for diagnostic imaging
- Expansion of outpatient imaging centers
- Technological innovations leading to new imaging techniques
- Nursing and allied health staff shortages persisting to boost demand
If you want to keep looking forward, the national average radiology tech salary can be expected to outreach $80,000+ around 2028–2030 minimum. Since 2020, average salary for radiology tech has increased at an average of around 3-5% a year, generally a greater percentage than general inflation in most years.
How to Maximize Your Radiology Tech Salary in 2026
These strategies are actionable steps to help you boost your income this year:
1. Earn Additional ARRT Certifications
CT, MRI or interventional credentials will already increase your salary for radiology tech, an immediate $5,000–$15,000 bump in most cases.
2. Consider Travel Assignments
With a 13-week travel contract, you can make the equivalent of 5–6 months of staff pay. For those looking to top their bank account, the traveling radiology tech salary perk is huge.
3. Relocate to High-Paying States
For instance, if you moved from Georgia to California for the same position, the radiology tech salary could be $25,000 or more greater each year.
4. Work Night/Weekend Shifts
Using shift differentials as an unexploited pay supplement. By working only 2 additional weekend shifts per month, you stand to earn an additional $6,000–$10,000 per year in radiology tech salary per hour alone.
5. Pursue Leadership Roles
These roles include lead technologist, radiology supervisor and department director, all of which can push salary radiology tech compensation to well above $100,000 a year.
6. Negotiate Every Offer
The first number is typically the one accepted by many techs. Employers generally have 5–15% salary range above their initial offer. When you know what is the salary of a radiology tech in target market, you can negotiate with the upper end of that range.
Radiology Tech Salary vs. Related Healthcare Careers
| Career | Avg Annual Salary 2026 | Education Required |
| Radiology Tech | $68,000 – $75,000 | Associate’s / Bachelor’s |
| Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) | $72,000 – $88,000 | Associate’s / Bachelor’s |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $78,000 – $95,000 | Associate’s / Bachelor’s |
| Radiation Therapist | $80,000 – $100,000 | Bachelor’s |
| MRI Technologist | $75,000 – $92,000 | Associate’s / Bachelor’s |
| Radiology Manager | $90,000 – $120,000 | Bachelor’s / Master’s |
| Radiologist (MD) | $350,000 – $500,000+ | Medical Degree |
Radiology tech salary is comfortably in the middle of the pack higher than many general healthcare support roles, but attainable with a 2-year degree and ARRT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the average salary for a radiology tech in 2026?
As of 2026, the national average radiology tech salary is likely around $68,000 to $75,000 yearly ($32–$42/hr for staff positions). Compensation increases to $90,000–$130,000 through travel and contract roles.
Q2: What is a radiology tech salary per hour?
Radiology tech salary per hour for staff positions is $30–$42/hour based on experience and location Travel radiology techs earn $45–$65/hour. Night and weekend differentials tack on 10–25% in addition to base hourly pay.
Q3: How much is a radiology tech salary in California?
Radiology tech salary California is the highest in the nation averaging $85,000–$100,000 per year. Salaries for experienced techs can climb even higher in the high-cost metros, with top salaries reaching more than $110,000, especially in places like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Q4: What is the salary of a radiology tech in Texas vs. Florida?
Radiology tech salary Texas $62,000–$72,000/year Radiology tech salary Florida $58,000–$68,000/year And crucially, neither state has income tax, which means more money in the bank than states with the same gross salaries.
Q5: How much does an interventional radiology tech make?
Interventional radiology tech salary is one of the better-paying ones in medical imaging. Regardless of where an IR tech works, IR techs typically earn $80,000 to $105,000 per year with experienced techs in high-volume centers making in the $110,000–$120,000 range, with overtime. ARRT Cardiovascular-Interventional certification is often needed.
Q6: What is the travel radiology tech salary?
Travel Radiology Tech Salary (Total Annual Compensation): $90,000 – $130,000+ In addition to hourly pay, which forms the majority of a traveling radiology tech salary, travelers also receive non-taxable housing and meal stipends that make pay for contracted work immensely higher than for most staff jobs. Another example: Crisis assignments can drive total annual compensation to more than $140k.
Q7: What is the entry level radiology tech salary?
The average of the entry level radiology tech salary for new graduates is about $52,000 to $58,000 a year in 2026. The starting salaries for entry-level positions in higher paying states such as California and New York can be $60,000–$65,000. One way to increase starting radiology tech salary is to obtain ARRT certification and take a role that works nights and weekends.
Q8: What is the radiology tech salary in NYC?
New York City has one of the highest radiology tech salary NYC estimates: $80,000 to $95,000 a year as of 2026. Equally as attractive, major NYC hospital systems like NYC Health + Hospitals, NYU Langone, and Mount Sinai offer compensation, sign-on bonuses and impressive union-backed benefits.
Q9: What is the pediatric radiology tech salary?
In 2026, the average pediatric radiology tech salary is between $68,000 and $85,000 per year. Techs at dedicated children’s hospitals usually make towards the higher end of this range, with top facilities providing other compensation features such as student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement.
Q10: How does the radiology tech salary in Georgia compare to the national average?
The average radiology tech salary Georgia $57,000–$67,000, is a bit lower than the national average. But the lower cost of living in Georgia means purchasing power rivals that of higher-paying coastal markets. The range from Georgia has just Atlanta-based positions on top.
Q11: What factors most impact the salary for radiology tech?
Factors that most often affect salary for radiology tech are: geographic location, years of experience, ARRT specialty certifications, work setting (hospital vs. outpatient), days vs. nights, staffing (travel vs. staff), and union membership. Fellowship training in high-demand modalities such as interventional radiology or MRI can increase base pay by an additional $10,000–$30,000.
Q12: Is the radiology tech salary expected to grow?
Yes. Radiology tech salary has consistently increased 3–5% each year since 2020 and is projected to keep gaining each year through 2026–2030. All the imaging modalities expansion along with a workforce shortfall due to population aging and continuous allied health staffing shortages leads to consistent salary radiology tech growth.
Conclusion: Is Radiology Tech a High-Paying Career?
Absolutely. The radiology tech salary is $66,456 in 2026 will more than compensate for the good value of the career as its accesseble with a 2 year training program and associates degree. National averages for staff positions range between $68,000–$75,000, and travel radiology tech salary packages access easily past $100,000, making this an appealing option for gainful professionals considering their education against income potential.
Whether you are knowing what is the salary of a radiology tech, before embarking the profession, or a veteran of the field considering a change of scenery or a new certification, the evidence is telling you exactly what you need to know this is a high-paying, high-demand field with great growth potential.average salary for radiology techtrend to new records, thanks to tech boosts, demographic shifts, and staffing shortages that are unlikely to reverse course. If you play your cards right with what you specialize in, where you work, and what your employment type is, you could be setting yourself up to earn well above the national average radiology tech salary all while building a very stable career that helps others along the way.
Dalvi is a passionate content writer and digital researcher associated with SalarySlip.co.uk, specializing in finance, salary insights, and career guidance. With a strong focus on delivering accurate and user-friendly information, Dalvi creates well-researched content that helps readers understand payslips, tax structures, and income-related topics. Backed by a keen interest in SEO and digital trends, Dalvi ensures every article is informative, engaging, and optimized for search engines, making complex financial concepts simple and accessible for everyone.
