EKG vs Radiology Technician
Radiology technicians earn a higher median salary and have a slightly faster projected job growth rate than EKG technicians. Both careers are vital to diagnostic healthcare but differ in scope of practice, education requirements, and long-term earning potential. Your best choice depends on how quickly you want to enter the workforce and how far you want to go in medical imaging.
Radiology Technician Salary and Job Outlook
Radiology technicians earn a median annual salary of $77,660, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Employment for radiologic technologists is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034. Demand is rising due to an aging population requiring more diagnostic imaging and the expanding use of imaging technology in routine medical care. Radiology technicians who specialize in MRI or CT scanning often command higher salaries than general radiologic technologists.
How to Become a Radiology Technician
Most radiology technician positions require an associate degree in radiologic technology, which takes about two years to complete.
Here is the standard path:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED with a strong foundation in science and math
- Complete an accredited associate degree program in radiologic technology
- Pass the national certification exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
- Obtain state licensure, which is required in most states before practicing
- Apply for positions in hospitals, imaging centers, or specialty clinics
🎓 FEATURED PROGRAMS
- Radiology Technician Training | CCI Training Center
- Medical Radiography - Associate's | ECPI - Northern Virginia (Manassas), VA
Radiology technicians can also pursue additional certifications in MRI, mammography, or CT scanning to increase their earning potential and career options over time.
Which Career Should You Choose?
Choose EKG technology if you want to enter healthcare quickly with a cardiac focus. Choose radiology technology if you want higher pay and broader imaging career options.
EKG technology is the right fit if you:
- Want to start working in healthcare within a few months
- Are specifically interested in cardiac care and heart health
- Prefer a lower upfront training cost
- Want a high-volume, patient-facing role every day
Radiology technology is the right fit if you:
- Want higher earning potential from your first year on the job
- Are interested in working with multiple imaging technologies
- Plan to specialize in MRI, mammography, or CT scanning down the line
- Are comfortable investing two years in an associate degree program
Both careers offer stable employment, competitive pay without a four-year degree, and real opportunities to grow within the healthcare system. The decision comes down to your timeline, your budget, and where your clinical interests lie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pays more, an EKG tech or a radiology tech? Radiology technicians earn more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $77,660 for radiology technicians compared to $67,260 for cardiovascular technologists, the category that includes EKG technicians.
Which career has better job growth? Radiology technician employment is projected to grow faster at 4% from 2024 to 2034. EKG technician employment is projected to grow 3% over the same period, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What is the fastest path to becoming an EKG technician? The fastest path is completing an accredited certificate program, which typically takes a few months. This is significantly faster than the two-year associate degree required for most radiology technician positions.
Do you need a degree to become a radiology technician? Yes. Most radiology technician positions require at least an associate degree in radiologic technology. The program typically takes two years and covers radiographic procedures, patient safety, and medical ethics, all of which are required for state licensure and ARRT certification.
Can EKG technicians advance their careers? Yes. EKG technicians can advance by earning additional certifications in stress testing, Holter monitoring, or echocardiography. Some choose to pursue further education to become cardiovascular technologists or sonographers.
Final Thoughts
Both EKG and radiology technology are strong career choices for anyone entering healthcare without a four-year degree. EKG technology offers a fast, affordable path into cardiac care. Radiology technology requires more time and investment but delivers higher pay and broader long-term career options.
Both paths are worth serious consideration if you want a stable, in-demand career in a growing industry. The right choice is the one that fits your goals, your timeline, and your passion for patient care.
Dreambound can help you find the right training program and get started today:
Joanna Paragas is part of the Growth team at Dreambound. Her primary role involves creating various automation to streamline workflows and make tasks more efficient for the entire team. Beyond her professional endeavors, Joanna enjoys spending her free time playing with her dogs and enhancing her knowledge by enrolling in online courses.
