What Radiologic Technologists and Technicians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Radiologic Technologists and Technicians this way: "Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes"; "Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes"; "Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician"; "Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods"; "Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is associate's degree.
Job outlook for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 234,200 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 246,000 in 2035, an increase of 11,800 jobs (+5%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 13,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $80,110, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Radiologic Technologists and Technicians earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $95,996 in New Jersey to $97,872 in New York, a gap of $1,876 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $80,110 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 18,310, which is 51.1% of the 35,810 counted across them. New York follows with 17,500.
Highest-paying states
New York ($97,872) and New Jersey ($95,996) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($95,996) and New York ($97,872) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-2000) include Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, Medical Records Specialists and Pharmacy Technicians.
Frequently asked questions about Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
What is the national median wage for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $80,110. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $95,996 to $97,872.
Which state pays Radiologic Technologists and Technicians the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $97,872. New Jersey is next at $95,996.
What is the job outlook for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians?
BLS projects employment to grow by 5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 13,000 openings a year.
What education do Radiologic Technologists and Technicians need?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree, according to BLS.