How to become a Radiologic Technologist or Technician

Official title: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Also called: CT Tech (Computed Tomography Technologist), Mammographer, Multimodality Technologist, Radiographer, Radiologic Technician (RAD Tech), Radiology Technician (Radiology Tech), Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT (R)), RT (Radiologic Technologist), X-Ray Tech (X-Ray Technician), X-Ray Tech (X-Ray Technologist)

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.

Main tasks

• Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
• Perform 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.
• Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
• Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
• Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
• Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
• Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.

How to become one

Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate's degree. MRI technologists also typically need several years of related work experience. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.

Typical education to start: Associate's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Computed Tomography (Ct) Technician.
• Apprenticeship: Diagnostic Imaging Specialty (Alternate Title: Radiology Specialist).
• Apprenticeship: Mammography Technologist.
• Certificate or associate's degree: Associate's degree. Programs such as Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist; Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer; Mammography Technology/Technician
• Licence: A licence is required in 41 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $80,110 a year The middle half earn $64,810 to $98,750.
• About 234,200 people work in this job now, and about 246,000 are projected by 2035. (+5%)
• People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Related jobs

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
• Medical Dosimetrists

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Radiologic Technologist or Technician?

Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate's degree. MRI technologists also typically need several years of related work experience. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.

How much does a Radiologic Technologist or Technician earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $80,110 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $64,810 to $98,750.

Is a Radiologic Technologist or Technician a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 234,200 to about 246,000 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Radiologic Technologist or Technician?

Not always. 30% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Associate's degree; Computed Tomography (Ct) Technician.

Will AI change the work of a Radiologic Technologist or Technician?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.