Key Points

• A radiology technician (also called a radiologic technologist) performs diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays and CT scans under a physician’s supervision.
• Radiology technician training usually lasts 18 to 24 months.
• To become a radiology technician in California, one must complete an accredited program, pass the ARRT certification exam, and obtain a state license from CDPH.
• The average radiology technician salary in California is $112,120 per year ($53.91 per hour) (BLS, 2024).

Steps to Become a Radiology Technician in California

1. Meet the radiology technician requirements.

Before enrolling in a program, make sure you meet these basic qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high-school diploma or GED
• Provide proof of required vaccinations (such as MMR, hepatitis B, and TB screening)
• Pass a background check if required by the program
• Meet any additional school-specific admission standards

2. Complete an accredited radiology technician program in California.

After meeting the prerequisites, apply to radiology tech schools in California that offer 1- to 2-year associate’s degree programs.
Your program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) to qualify you for certification and licensure.

Programs combine classroom study in anatomy, physics, and radiation safety with supervised clinical training at hospitals or imaging centers.

3. Pass the ARRT certification exam.

Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam — a national credential required by most employers. The exam measures your understanding of radiologic procedures, patient care, and radiation safety.

• The ARRT exam is computer-based and begins with a short tutorial so you can practice the question format. Learn more about the exam.
• Testing is administered by Pearson VUE, which operates over 200 professional test centers across the U.S. and abroad. Find more information in taking the exam.
• Arrive 30 minutes early. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you may forfeit your appointment and fee.

Passing the ARRT exam demonstrates your competency and is required for both national certification and state licensing.

4. Apply for a California state license.

Once you pass the ARRT exam, apply for a license through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Radiologic Health Branch (RHB).
You must submit your ARRT scores, the application form, and a $112 non-refundable fee (check or money order payable to CDPH-RHB).

Certificate options

• Diagnostic Radiologic Technology Certificate
• Therapeutic Radiologic Technology Certificate

If you are ARRT-certified:
Include proof of passing the ARRT exam and the $112 fee.

If you are not ARRT-certified:
Include a copy of your diploma or certificate from a CDPH-RHB-approved program plus the same $112 fee.

Mailing addresses

USPS First-Class Mail
California Department of Public Health – Radiologic Health Branch (MS 7610)
Accounts Receivable and Cashiering Unit
P.O. Box 997414, Sacramento CA 95899-7414

Express Mail
California Department of Public Health – Radiologic Health Branch (MS 7610)
1500 Capitol Ave., Suite 520, Bldg. 172, Sacramento CA 95814-5006

Within 30 days of receiving your application, CDPH-RHB will send a notification stating whether it is acceptable and next steps.
To apply for both certificate types, submit a separate application and fee for each.

5. Apply for radiology technician jobs.

After receiving your state license, you can apply for radiology tech positions in hospitals, outpatient clinics, imaging centers, and physician offices across California.
Visit MyNextMove to explore radiologic technologist job openings in California and view typical duties and required skills.

Radiology Technician Salary in California

The radiology technician salary in California averages $112,120 per year ($53.91 per hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This is one of the highest pay rates in the United States for the profession.

Here’s the average annual salary range by experience level:

• Entry-level: $60,000 – $85,000
• Mid-career: $90,000 – $135,000
• Experienced: $140,000 +

Across California, radiology tech salary levels are highest in metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Radiology Technician?

Most radiology tech programs take about 18 to 24 months to finish.
This includes classroom coursework and clinical training.
Some schools offer accelerated or hybrid options that allow you to graduate sooner.