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.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
SOC: 29-2034 O*NET: 29-2034.00
Median Salary
$77,660
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.3%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
12.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Radiologic Technologists and Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$52,360
10th percentile
Early Career
$62,910
25th percentile
Median
$77,660
50th percentile
Experienced
$93,610
75th percentile
Top Earners
$106,990
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$52,360
25th
$62,910
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$77,660
Mean: $79,760
75th
$93,610
90th
$106,990
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $54,630 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $62,910 and $93,610
- •Salary spread is 39.5% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 223,460 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:228,000
Top Industries
Hospitals50.8%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals49.9%
Ambulatory Health Care Services32.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.3%
Annual Openings:12,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)228,000
Current
2034 (Projected)237,800
+4.3%
+9,800
Employment Change
+4.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Radiologic Technologists and Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
19,550 jobs$107,6700.75x
Texas
19,200 jobs$76,8000.96x
Florida
15,400 jobs$71,1901.08x
New York
14,370 jobs$91,5201.04x
Ohio
9,660 jobs$75,4801.21x
Pennsylvania
8,790 jobs$68,0101.01x
North Carolina
8,110 jobs$67,1501.14x
Illinois
7,500 jobs$77,8900.85x
Michigan
7,180 jobs$68,4801.13x
Georgia
7,160 jobs$67,2701.02x
New Jersey
6,210 jobs$85,5201.01x
Indiana
5,270 jobs$76,6001.14x
Virginia
5,190 jobs$79,6700.88x
Massachusetts
5,010 jobs$99,9100.95x
Tennessee
4,780 jobs$63,9401.01x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Social Perceptiveness
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Service Orientation
74%
#6
Monitoring
66%
#7
Operation and Control
60%
#8
Critical Thinking
54%
#9
Coordination
46%
#10
Operations Monitoring
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Social Perceptiveness
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Service Orientation
intermediate3.7
74%
Monitoring
intermediate3.3
66%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.0
60%
Critical Thinking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Operations Monitoring
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Bus Drivers, School90%
5 shared skills
Radiation Therapists82%
5 shared skills
Nursing Assistants80%
5 shared skills
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs80%
5 shared skills
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity73%
5 shared skills
Parking Enforcement Workers73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Monitoring
- →Operation and Control
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Service Orientation
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TecheClinicalWorks EHR software
🔥 Hot TechMEDITECH software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
eClinicalWorks EHR software
MEDITECH software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (1)Operations & Execution (5)General Responsibilities (13)Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution97% perform98%
3
Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development79% perform86%
9
Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value relationships
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.65
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.62
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.62
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.58
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.56
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.53
Complete Work Styles Profile
Concern for Others
4.7
Dependability
4.6
Integrity
4.6
Cooperation
4.6
Self-Control
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.5
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Initiative
4.2
Independence
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Radiologic Technologists and Technicians.
Browse Training Programs →