Are you considering a career as a radiology technician (rad tech) and wondering about the earning potential? Understanding “How Much Does Radiology Tech Make” is crucial for making informed decisions about your education and career path. This guide provides a detailed overview of radiology tech salaries, factors influencing income, and ways to maximize your earning potential.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average salary for radiologic technologists and technicians was $76,020 in May 2023. However, salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, education, and work setting. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,470, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $112,420. Data from Payscale.com suggests an average annual salary of $56,690 or $25.61 per hour. These figures highlight the potential for a stable and rewarding career in radiology.
Radiology Technician Salary by State
Location plays a significant role in determining a radiology tech’s salary. States with higher costs of living or greater demand for healthcare professionals tend to offer higher wages. Here’s a breakdown of average annual salaries by state, according to ZipRecruiter:
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $108,615 | $52.22 |
| District of Columbia | $108,368 | $52.10 |
| New York | $104,917 | $50.44 |
| Massachusetts | $104,734 | $50.35 |
| Alaska | $103,278 | $49.65 |
| Vermont | $101,965 | $49.02 |
| North Dakota | $101,469 | $48.78 |
| Oregon | $101,393 | $48.75 |
| Colorado | $100,840 | $48.48 |
| Hawaii | $99,635 | $47.90 |
| Nevada | $97,655 | $46.95 |
| New Jersey | $97,360 | $46.81 |
| Wisconsin | $96,796 | $46.54 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,129 | $46.22 |
| Delaware | $95,982 | $46.15 |
| South Dakota | $95,899 | $46.11 |
| Virginia | $95,076 | $45.71 |
| California | $94,643 | $45.50 |
| Minnesota | $93,925 | $45.16 |
| Rhode Island | $93,915 | $45.15 |
| New Hampshire | $93,263 | $44.84 |
| Maryland | $93,074 | $44.75 |
| New Mexico | $92,933 | $44.68 |
| Illinois | $92,929 | $44.68 |
| Maine | $92,849 | $44.64 |
| Wyoming | $92,180 | $44.32 |
| Nebraska | $91,435 | $43.96 |
| Indiana | $91,254 | $43.87 |
| Connecticut | $91,227 | $43.86 |
| Ohio | $91,171 | $43.83 |
| Mississippi | $90,823 | $43.66 |
| Idaho | $90,231 | $43.38 |
| Iowa | $90,075 | $43.31 |
| Missouri | $89,954 | $43.25 |
| Arizona | $89,367 | $42.96 |
| Texas | $89,345 | $42.95 |
| South Carolina | $88,990 | $42.78 |
| Oklahoma | $88,547 | $42.57 |
| Montana | $88,021 | $42.32 |
| Utah | $87,304 | $41.97 |
| North Carolina | $87,153 | $41.90 |
| Tennessee | $87,040 | $41.85 |
| Alabama | $86,922 | $41.79 |
| Kansas | $85,527 | $41.12 |
| Michigan | $83,585 | $40.19 |
| Kentucky | $83,291 | $40.04 |
| Louisiana | $82,006 | $39.43 |
| Georgia | $80,975 | $38.93 |
| Arkansas | $79,299 | $38.12 |
| Florida | $71,665 | $34.45 |
As the table illustrates, Washington and the District of Columbia offer the highest average annual salaries for radiology technicians.
Impact of Experience on Radiology Tech Salary
Experience is a significant factor influencing how much a radiology tech can earn. As with most professions, increased experience typically leads to higher pay. According to Payscale.com, here’s how hourly wages correlate with experience:
- Less than 1 year: $22.90 per hour
- 1-4 years: $23.50 per hour
- 5-9 years: $24.73 per hour
- 10-19 years: $30.01 per hour
- 20+ years: $28.91 per hour
Image showing the correlation between experience and radiology tech salary.
The data suggests a steady increase in hourly wages up to 19 years of experience. Interestingly, there’s a slight dip after 20 years, which may be attributed to factors like reduced work hours or transitioning to less physically demanding roles later in their careers.
Salary Variations Based on Work Setting
The setting in which a radiology technician works also affects their salary. According to the BLS, here are the average annual salaries in different work environments:
- Federal government (excluding postal service): $85,220
- Outpatient care centers: $78,480
- Hospitals; state, local, and private: $75,930
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $75,210
- Offices of physicians: $62,240
Radiology technicians working for the federal government tend to earn the highest salaries, while those in physicians’ offices typically earn the least. This difference can be attributed to factors like the size and resources of the employer, the complexity of the work, and the demand for radiology services in each setting.
Strategies to Increase Your Radiology Tech Salary
If you’re looking to boost your earning potential as a radiology technician, consider these strategies:
- Negotiation: Research average salaries in your area and negotiate your salary based on your experience, skills, and qualifications.
- Overtime: Take advantage of overtime opportunities to increase your income.
- Per Diem or Contract Employment: Consider per diem or contract positions, which often pay higher wages than staff positions.
- Shift Differential: Work nights, weekends, or holidays to earn shift differentials.
- Hazard Pay: If your work involves hazardous conditions, inquire about hazard pay.
Radiology Tech Salary vs Education Costs
A minimum of an associate’s degree in radiology is required to become a radiology technician. An associate’s degree can often be obtained at a community college for less than $5,000. Considering the average annual salary for radiology technicians is significantly higher, the investment in education is well worth the potential income.
Salaries of Related Careers vs Radiology Technician
Exploring related careers can provide additional context for understanding “how much does radiology tech make” in comparison to other healthcare professions:
- Medical Sonographer: According to the BLS, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $84,470 in May 2023.
- Cardiovascular Technician: The median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $80,850 in May 2023 (BLS).
- MRI Technician: The median annual wage for MRI technologists was $66,170 in May 2023 (BLS).
- Respiratory Therapist (RT): The average annual respiratory therapist salary in the US is $77,960 as of May 2023 (BLS).
FAQs About Radiology Technicians
- Is it hard to become a radiology technician?
Becoming a radiology technician requires completing an associate’s degree in radiology and undergoing a comprehensive hospital orientation. - How much do radiology technicians make?
Salaries vary by location, experience, and work setting, but the national average is around $76,020 per year. - What state pays the highest salaries to radiation technicians?
Washington state offers the highest average annual salary, at $108,615, according to ZipRecruiter.
Conclusion
Understanding “how much does radiology tech make” involves considering various factors, including location, experience, education, and work setting. By strategically planning your career and taking steps to increase your earning potential, you can enjoy a rewarding and financially stable career as a radiology technician.
