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.
Also called: 3D Technologist (Three Dimensional Technologist), Angiogram Special Procedures Technologist, CAT Technologist (Computed Axial Tomography Technologist), CT Radiology Technologist (Computerized Tomography Radiology Technologist), CT RT (Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist), CT Scan Special Procedures Technologist (Computed Tomography Scan Special Procedures Technologist)
Median pay
$80,110
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$55,980 – $118,660
People employed
230,490
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 3.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 4.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians salary in every state →
What radiologic technologists and technicians do
- 01Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- 02Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
- 03Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
- 04Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
- 05Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
- 06Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- English Language
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- Physics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
- Empathy
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from radiologic technologists and technicians
- Radiation Therapists89% · +31%
- Respiratory Therapists83% · +3%
- Surgical Assistants76% · −17%
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians72% · group pay
- Forensic Science Technicians71% · −10%
Change into radiologic technologists and technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Endoscopy Technicians83% · $48,430
- Phlebotomists81% · $45,230
- Radiation Therapists81% · $105,310
- Respiratory Therapists79% · $82,280
- Surgical Assistants76% · $66,800
Majors that lead here
- Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
- Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
- Mammography Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.