Healthcare Resource
Radiologic Technologist Salary 2026: Rad Tech Pay by State, Modality & Setting
In brief
Radiologic technologist (rad tech) salary in 2026 averages $65K-$80K nationally. Multi-modality techs and those in high-cost states earn $85K-$100K+. ARRT credential is required at virtually all employers.
In this article
The average radiologic technologist (rad tech) salary in 2026 is $65,000-$80,000/year for ARRT-credentialed general radiologic technologists. Multi-modality techs who hold additional ARRT credentials in CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, or mammography earn $80,000-$100,000+. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 6% job growth for radiologic techs through 2032 (faster than average) and persistent staffing shortages in hospital imaging departments, experienced rad techs have strong negotiating leverage in 2026.
Rad Tech Salary by Modality (2026)
| Modality | Avg Annual Salary | ARRT Credential |
|---|---|---|
| General Radiography (X-Ray) | $62,000-$75,000 | ARRT(R), primary credential; entry point for most rad techs |
| Computed Tomography (CT) | $72,000-$88,000 | ARRT(CT), post-primary; most in-demand add-on credential; IV contrast protocols |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | $78,000-$98,000 | ARRT(MR), highest-paying ARRT post-primary; significant workflow and physics knowledge required |
| Mammography | $65,000-$80,000 | ARRT(M), specialty credential; MQSA compliance required; tomosynthesis (3D mammo) adds value |
| Fluoroscopy / Interventional Radiography | $70,000-$85,000 | ARRT(VI) for vascular-interventional; procedural suite competence; premium over general rad |
| Dual-Modality (R + CT or R + MR) | $82,000-$100,000 | Covers staffing gaps across modalities; highly valued in community hospitals; scheduling flexibility |
Radiologic Technologist Salary by State (2026)
| State | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | $95,000 | Highest nationally; union contracts; Kaiser, Dignity Health, Sutter; San Francisco/LA premium |
| Hawaii | $88,000 | Cost of living premium; island shortage; Queen's, Hawaii Pacific Health |
| Washington | $87,000 | SEIU-represented; UW, Swedish, Providence; Seattle area top in-state |
| Massachusetts | $85,000 | Academic centers; Mass General, Brigham; Boston premium; community hospitals lower |
| New York | $82,000 | NYC hospital systems; 1199SEIU; Long Island and upstate 25-35% lower |
| Oregon | $79,000 | OHSU, Legacy, PeaceHealth; Portland metro strongest; rural shortage = travel contract premium |
| Nevada | $78,000 | Las Vegas shortage market; no state income tax; Sunrise, Valley, Spring Valley hospitals |
| Texas | $69,000 | HCA, Baylor, UT Health; no state income tax; DFW/Houston strongest; rural significant lower |
| Florida | $66,000 | High demand in retirement corridors; AdventHealth, HCA, BayCare; no income tax; travel contracts high |
| Arizona | $68,000 | Banner, Honor Health; Phoenix growth driving imaging department expansion |
| Ohio | $66,000 | Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State, Nationwide; academic centers above average; rural Ohio $52K-$60K |
| Mississippi | $53,000 | Lowest state in national; rural shortage = travel contracts pay significantly above staff rates |
ARRT Credentials: How to Increase Rad Tech Salary
Each additional ARRT post-primary credential adds direct pay value. Strategy for maximizing salary:
- Start with ARRT(R). General radiography is the foundation credential. Earn it through an accredited radiography program + ARRT exam.
- Add CT within 18-24 months. ARRT(CT) is the single most valuable add-on, hospitals are desperate for CT-competent techs and pay $8K-$15K premiums. CT also qualifies you for emergency after-hours call.
- Consider MRI for the highest pay ceiling. ARRT(MR) requires passing MR physics and safety knowledge exams. Pays $12K-$22K above base R-only roles.
- Dual-credential for community hospital leverage. Small hospitals can't always staff separate modality rooms. A dual R+CT or R+MR tech is a one-person solution worth paying significantly more to retain.
- Travel contracts with multi-modality credentials. Travel rad techs with CT or MRI earn $1,900-$2,600/week vs. $1,600-$1,800 for R-only travelers.
Travel Radiologic Technologist Salary 2026
- General radiography travel: $1,600-$1,800/week (13-week contracts)
- CT travel tech: $1,800-$2,200/week
- MRI travel tech: $2,000-$2,600/week
- Top travel markets: California, Nevada, Hawaii, New York, Florida
- Requirements: ARRT credential, 1-2 years experience, state-specific licensure (24 states require separate rad tech license beyond ARRT), BLS
Data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, ARRT annual reports, and Ava Health placement data. Ranges reflect 25th-75th percentile of 2026 active job postings.
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