How to Become a Radiology Technician: 5 Steps (2026 Guide)
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Becoming a radiology technician in the United States takes 8 to 24 months and runs along one of two credential paths: a Limited Scope X-ray Operator certificate or the full ARRT Radiography R.T.(R) credential earned through a JRCERT-accredited associate degree. The full path leads to a national credential that works in nearly every state and pays a median of $77,660 per year (BLS, May 2024); the Limited Scope path is faster and less expensive but restricts the imaging work you can perform. The 5-step process is the same for both: meet the prerequisites, complete an accredited program, pass the ARRT exam, secure your state license, and maintain your credentials. Below is the verified path, the credential decision you need to make first, and the accredited programs Dreambound has reviewed.
Step 5: Maintain Your Credentials and Advance Your Career
ARRT certification is not a one-time event. To stay registered, you pay an annual renewal fee of $65 per credential (raised from $30 in 2025), complete 24 continuing education (CE) credits every two years, and follow ARRT's Standards of Ethics.
Many certified technicians use the continuing education window to add specialty credentials. ARRT offers post-primary certifications in:
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Mammography
- Sonography
- Radiation Therapy
- Vascular or Interventional Radiography
Specialty credentials open higher-paying roles and broader work settings. MRI technologists earn a median of $88,180 per year, and nuclear medicine technologists, a separate but adjacent ARRT-recognized credential, earn a median of $97,020 (BLS, May 2024).
How Much Do Radiology Technicians Make?
Radiology technicians earn a median annual wage of $77,660 (about $37.34 per hour), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2024 data. The lowest 10% earn under $52,360, roughly where new graduates start, and the top 10% earn more than $106,990.
Wages vary by state, work setting, and specialization. California pays the highest average at about $103,150 per year, reflecting cost of living and demand. Outpatient imaging centers and specialty hospitals typically pay above the median.
The BLS projects 4% growth for radiologic technologists from 2024 to 2034, with thousands of job openings expected each year as the workforce turns over and the population ages.
If a higher-earning specialty path interests you, compare radiology and imaging programs on Dreambound by length, format, and credential path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign-educated radiology technician work in the United States?
Yes, but you need to complete an ARRT credential evaluation through its Foreign Educated Pathway and meet your target state's licensing requirements. The evaluation reviews your coursework, clinical training, and credentials against ARRT's standards for U.S. certification. Once approved, you sit for the ARRT exam and apply for state licensure on the same basis as U.S.-educated applicants.
How much do radiology technicians make in the United States?
The median annual wage is $77,660 (about $37.34 per hour) per BLS May 2024 data. Entry-level technicians typically start below $52,360, while the top 10% earn more than $106,990. California pays the highest average at about $103,150 per year.
How many years does it take to study to become a radiologic technologist?
It takes 8 months to 4 years depending on the credential. A Limited Scope X-ray Operator certificate takes about 8 months. The full ARRT R.T.(R) credential typically requires a 2-year JRCERT-accredited associate degree, though some students pursue a 4-year bachelor's degree for management or specialization roles.
What is the difference between a radiology technician, a radiologist, and an X-ray tech?
A radiologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who interprets imaging results and requires 12 or more years of training. A radiology technician (also called a radiologic technologist or R.T.) operates the imaging equipment and works under physician supervision. "X-ray tech" is a common informal term that usually refers to either a Limited Scope X-ray Operator or a full R.T.(R), depending on context. A Limited Scope credential can be earned in about 8 months without a degree, while the full ARRT R.T.(R) requires an associate degree.
Which type of radiology technologist earns the most?
Nuclear medicine technologists earn the highest median wage among radiology-adjacent careers at $97,020 per year (BLS, May 2024). MRI technologists earn $88,180. Within radiography itself, specialization in CT, MRI, mammography, or interventional procedures generally raises earning potential above the $77,660 general median.
Choosing the Right Radiology Technician Path
The radiology technician path you take depends on one decision: do you want a faster entry as a Limited Scope X-ray Operator, or are you building toward the full ARRT R.T.(R) credential that opens hospitals and specialization?
Both paths have legitimate value, and both have honest tradeoffs. The Limited Scope route gets you working in about 8 months but limits where and what you can image. The full R.T.(R) route takes 18 to 24 months at a JRCERT-accredited program, but it carries the credential most U.S. employers ask for and pays at the national median of $77,660 with room to grow into specialty roles like CT or MRI.
Once you know which credential fits your timeline, budget, and target work setting, the next step is comparing accredited programs that match your path. Dreambound lists ACCET-accredited Limited Scope programs and JRCERT-accredited associate degrees in one place so you can compare options across length, format, and start date before you apply.
