Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists, also known as X-ray techs or radiology technicians, are healthcare professionals who operate diagnostic imaging equipment to create images of the inside of the human body.
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Getting Started
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist
At 2 years to get started, this is typical for Associate Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Associate Degree (typically 2 years) at an estimated cost of $15k–$34k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for radiologic technologist practice.
Begin Working
Radiologic Technologist earn a median salary of $73k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Pathway quick answers
- How do you become a Radiologic Technologist?Complete required education, licensing, and supervised training for Radiologic Technologist.
- How long does it take?Typical path to first paid role: 2 years.
- How much does it cost?Estimated education and training cost range: $15k-$34k (living expenses excluded).
Estimates use College Scorecard tuition data plus cited pathway and licensing requirements.
Overview
What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
Radiologic technologists, also known as X-ray techs or radiology technicians, are healthcare professionals who operate diagnostic imaging equipment to create images of the inside of the human body. These images help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions ranging from broken bones to cancer. You'll work directly with patients, positioning them correctly and operating sophisticated equipment while following strict radiation safety protocols to protect both patients and yourself.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Radiologic Technologist Make?
At $73k/yr, radiologic technologist earn about the same as the average for Associate Degree-level careers ($73k/yr).
$73k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist | $73k/yr |
| EKG/ECG Technician | $63k/yr |
| Ultrasound Technician | $85k/yr |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $85k/yr |
| Cardiovascular Technician | $63k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
After investing roughly $25k in education, radiologic technologist typically begin earning within 2 years. Based on entry-level salaries of $55k/yr growing toward a $73k/yr median. The average education cost for Associate Degree-level careers is $27k.
Radiologic Technologist ROI
Net earnings over 20 years
$1.3M
Pre-tax 20-year estimate after required education and training costs; taxes and living expenses excluded.
How the 20-year estimate is calculated
Radiologic Technologist Career ROI (20-year net earnings)
Track how education costs and earnings typically accumulate from enrollment through year 20.
Cumulative net earnings (USD)
The full chart keeps 20-year context. The detail chart below zooms in on early pathway years.
Sources: BLS, Accreditor, College ScorecardSee Sources and methods.
Early-years detail
Years 0-8
Years 0-8. Scaled to early-year values. Black markers show key checkpoints.
Quick answers
- Is becoming a Radiologic Technologist financially worth it?Typical 20-year net estimate: $1.3M (pre-tax, living expenses excluded).
- How much does training cost for a Radiologic Technologist?Estimated required education and licensing cost to become a Radiologic Technologist: $25k (range used: $15k-$34k). Breakdown: Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology: $24k; ARRT Radiography Certification Exam: $225; State Licensure Application: $200.
- How long does it take to become a Radiologic Technologist?Typical time to first paycheck is about 2 years. Typical time to enter the target Radiologic Technologist role is about 2 years.
- How do you become a Radiologic Technologist?See How to Become for pathway steps, timing, and credential requirements.
Detailed math
How 20-year net is built from each training and career phase.
| Phase | Time window | Gross earnings | Education/training cost | Net contribution | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology Education | Years 0-1 (m0-m23) | $0 | -$24,244 | -$24,244 | |
ARRT Radiography Certification Exam Training/Licensing | Year 2 (m24-m24) | $0 | -$225 | -$225 | |
State Licensure Application Training/Licensing | Year 2 (m24-m24) | $0 | -$200 | -$200 | |
Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist Career | Years 2-19 (m24-m237) | $1,309,252 | $0 | $1,309,252 | |
Model reconciliation Reconciliation | Years 0-20 (m0-m239) | $12,128 | $0 | $12,128 | None |
| 20-year totals | $1,321,380 | -$24,669 | $1,296,711 | Matches 20-year ROI formula | |
Sources and methods
Sources
Assumptions
- Pathway sequence and timing follow the cited training and licensing pathway for this role.BLS
- Earnings benchmarks come from cited occupation wage references.BLS
- Education and training cost uses College Scorecard tuition and cited pathway fees when needed.College Scorecard
- Cost allocation follows a model rule: short completed steps post in completion year; longer tuition steps are spread across phase years.Model ruleBLSCollege Scorecard
- Taxes and living expenses are excluded from this estimate.Model rule
Future-Proofing
Radiologic Technologist Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 5.8% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 7.2% average for Associate Degree-level careers.
10-Year Growth
5.8%
Faster than average
Current Employment
217,000
jobs nationwide
AI Impact
Moderate AI Impact
Radiologic Technologist roles have moderate AI impact — roughly average AI exposure among Associate Degree-level careers. AI tools augment several tasks, but core duties still require human expertise. Core responsibilities like state licensing requirements require human presence and judgment that AI cannot replicate.
Why It's Safe
- +Assisting and caring for others
- +Handling and moving objects
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Performing general physical activities
- +Coaching and developing others
What Could Be Automated
- −Working with computers
- −Documenting/recording information
- −Controlling machines and processes
- −Performing for or working directly with the public
- −Getting information
Based on evidence-based AI impact methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
Explore More
Similar Careers to Compare
EKG/ECG Technician
Ultrasound Technician
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Cardiovascular Technician
Radiation Therapist
Learn More
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Sources
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics (occupation wage data)
- •O*NET OnLine
- •College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education
Advanced Methodology
Education cost source id: college_scorecard_2025
Source update dates: BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12