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Healthcare

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$80,110

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$56k – $119k

Job outlook

+4% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $93,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

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Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$8,200–$23,000

Time to qualify

2.2 yr

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    Associate degree (community college)

    Degree

    Two years at in-district rates — average published tuition & fees ≈ $4,050/yr, plus ~$1,200/yr books & supplies.

    $8,000–$22,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    National & state licensure

    License

    A national board/registry exam plus a state license application (the NCLEX pattern). Exact exam and fees depend on the role and state.

    $200–$1,000 · 2 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Radiologic Technologists and Technicians" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

    Entry / Junior

    $55,980

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

    Established

    $80,110

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

    Senior

    $99,385

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
  • •Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
  • •Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
  • •Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
  • •Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.