Radiologic technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 29-2034Also known as:
3D Technologist, Angiogram Special Procedures Technologist, CAT Technologist (Computed Axial Tomography Technologist), Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist (CT RT), Computed Tomography Technician (CT Technician)
Median Annual Salary
$77,660
+4.3% growth (2024-2034)
13K
Openings/Year
228K
Current Jobs
What Radiologic technologists and technicians Do
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.
💰 Salary
$77,660
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.3%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
13K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
228,000
Projected Employment (2034)
237,800
Related Careers
Radiation therapists
$101,990 •
+1.9% growth
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
$67,260 •
+3.0% growth
Diagnostic medical sonographers
$89,340 •
+13.0% growth
Magnetic resonance imaging technologists
$88,180 •
+7.1% growth
Health technologists and technicians, all other
$48,790 •
+5.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Service Orientation
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
- Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
- Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
- Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Radiologic technologists and technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a radiologic technologists and technicians:
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
11,777 degrees awarded •
494 colleges offer this program
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
4,111 degrees awarded •
215 colleges offer this program
Mammography Technology/Technician
72 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Radiologic technologists and technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become radiologic technologists and technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make?
The median annual salary for radiologic technologists and technicians is $77,660.
What education do radiologic technologists and technicians need?
Most radiologic technologists and technicians positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer, Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist, Mammography Technology/Technician.
Is becoming radiologic technologists and technicians a good career choice?
Radiologic technologists and technicians is projected to see +4.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 12,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for radiologic technologists and technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring radiologic technologists and technicians include
Ohio State University-Main Campus, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Indiana University-Indianapolis, Washburn University, Arkansas State University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to radiologic technologists and technicians?
Radiologic technologists and technicians may also be known as: 3D Technologist, Angiogram Special Procedures Technologist, CAT Technologist (Computed Axial Tomography Technologist), Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist (CT RT), Computed Tomography Technician (CT Technician), Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech), CT Radiology Technologist (Computerized Tomography Radiology Technologist), CT Scan Special Procedures Technologist (Computed Tomography Scan Special Procedures Technologist), CT Scan Tech (Computed Tomography Scan Technologist), CT Scanner Operator (Computed Tomography Scanner Operator), CT Tech (Computer Tomography Technician), Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Document Imaging Technician, EEG Tech (Electroencephalogram Technician), Electroneurodiagnostic Technician (ENDT), Imaging Specialist, Imaging Technician, Imaging Technologist (Imaging Tech), Interventional Radiologic Technologist, Interventional Radiology Tech (Interventional Radiology Technician).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.