2024 X-Ray Tech Salary and How to Make More!

One of the things I love about Radiologic Technology would have to be the various avenues you can take to advance your career. Base pay can differ dramatically from one facility to the next depending on your credentials and experience but there are always opportunities to increase your income.

[@Theextremepessimist]

Join the military for Xray, the program is half the time and have a higher pass rate than most schools. Also MRI tech here. 1. Bust your ass and work 60-80 hours a week at a level 1 trauma center, experience is key in selling why you are worth more than others. 2. Get both CT and MRI registries ASAP, Find a facility that’s so desperate you can take full advantage of them. Remember with 3 registries you’re more valuable to them than you are them. Negotiate a weekend shift diff and remind them you make the hospital more money than a nurse. YES this is aggressive but also it’s not 2008 where there were no jobs. If you have 3 registries you can make 50 an hour no problem with a weekend shift and an on call basis. If you want 8-5 m-f it will be high 30s low 40s unless you can negotiate. So good luck out there.

[@nibmanyebli1111]

I was looking for someone who did xray through the military to get some informations and advice. I guess God sent you to me 😊 please tell me more about military xray route. How did you get CT and MRI registries in the military, and how does the military training translates to the civilian. I would like to know more because I'm considering the military route. Thank you.

[@sonarchy343]

I was thinking about enlisting if I don't get selected for my school's program (This is my second attempt at getting in, and I had since gotten more healthcare experience to use on this year's application.) I saw that the US Air Force has an X-Ray tech program, is this the path you took? According to their web page, it does seem pretty good in comparison to civilian schooling in terms of duration in training. I guess one major hinderance is leaving family behind for a while but there must be sacrifices, I suppose. Please let me know what you think @Theextremepessimist

[@Cpapi7]

I make $41 the hr as a new x ray tech in the state of Connecticut working nights. It's tought staying up but it is worth it!

[@chuckmccann8661]

How long you’ve been doing this?

[@Josh-fp2qn]

Do you work in a hospital?

[@korywashington6715]

I plan on moving out there to CT I have a couple of questions? Cause I’m trying to move back or closer to nyc, from Florida

[@initialad]

Massachusetts x-ray student here, I just got offered a $33/hr position once I graduate in May. It definitely just depends where you are for sure.

[@Josh-fp2qn]

I live in Connecticut. I’m assuming our starting salaries are comparable. That is very encouraging because let’s face it the money is important.

[@kiarapontes7079]

I’m in mass too and I start my x ray program in the fall. I work as a medical assistant and make 23/hr I think the x ray pay is similar to a starting LPN hearing from the one of the LPN’s I work with

[@AnimeTube7Junior]

I'm a multi modality tech who makes $60 an hour. I live in Maryland with 4 years of experience.

[@lincolnloggedon]

Which modalities?

[@AnimeTube7Junior]

@@lincolnloggedon Mainly MRI, but I help in X-Ray and CT whenever I'm really needed.

[@howie3601]

Can you go to MRI from Rad tech? A rad tech told me it only took then an additional 6months after they got their rad tech degree.

[@brandonbellino8896]

@@howie3601 Radiology techs specialize with certificate programs, which are typically 6-12 months or 1-2 semesters long. So usually someone who gets the two year general "radiology" associates degree will begin working as an xray tech and from there they can complete certifications to specialize in CT, MRI etc. and either only work in one specialty or do multiple modalities if you're working in a busy enough place to require it. They do also have bachelor degrees in radiology as well which typically offer specializations, so it just depends how much schooling you're able to afford and are willing to complete.

[@mastachi888]

What educational route did you take

[@mohammadmustafa2594]

I left my full time job 2 years ago to do travel contracts as x-rays , so far the pay ranges between $2600-$3200 a week depending where you go, I am mostly staying around NY NJ PA

[@ayashibli3744]

Hi mhmd , Do u have associate degree or bachelor ?

[@mohammadmustafa2594]

Associate

[@excellent88]

Is this a gross payment? Or after the deductions?

[@mohammadmustafa2594]

@@excellent88 gross

[@TC-db6xe]

I would encourage you to get comfortable discussing your salary with people. Discussing salaries is not rude, that was made up by employers in order to be able to pay some employees less than others in an unfair manner.

[@jodiahrankin16]

I am living it. This is so true. We need to talk about it!

[@cynthiapuma3299]

100% agree

[@alisonleigh100]

Watching this as a current dog groomer so when she said it’s a physically demanding job… can’t be worse than dog grooming 😊

[@Eddies_lawn_maintenance]

Wonderful information! Thank you. On my way to a BSN and going through the RAD tech route.

[@kankenoh]

This helped a lot!

[@patriciag6260]

I am 32 working in corporate America -sales. I am looking to change my career and I am considering this! I would be taking a pay cut for now, but I want to be up, moving around and feel like I am actually helping people. Thanks for this video!!!

[@SydneyPipp]

It’s a very rewarding career with a lot of potential for growth! Good luck!

[@MyT5_]

Omg same. I’m in tech sales it’s become so boring. I’ve always wanted to get into the healthcare field I’m researching now.

[@MyT5_]

@@patriciag6260 Exactly!

[@christinaplantamura2574]

CT TECH NY Median $55 hour 10+years $64 hour thats without night differential!!!

[@blissfull7648]

Entry level tech how much?

[@GUUSTUUS]

Buffalo NY Hospitals start about 32-36$!

[@michelelashae8713]

I live in Ohio and I’ve seen jobs for x ray Tech paying 35-40 a hour. They also have a lot of travel jobs for Rad Tech in Columbus, OH making 2k a week! I’m a PTA looking into Rad Tech program this year 😊

[@souleymaneba1202]

Hi I live in Ohio too please can you give more information how to do Rad tech and where? Thanks

[@teannapierce]

I graduate medical imaging in one year. Best decision ever! I live in col,oh also

[@michelelashae8713]

@@teannapierce really!! What school did you attend? I’m going to a open house at central Ohio technical college this month to get more info. I reached out to Columbus state university also. My reservation is the programs are full time and I won’t be able to work during the week :(

[@malindaestrada6969]

Hi, I was thinking of PTA but now I am thinking maybe this is a better choice. How is it being a PTA?

[@michelelashae8713]

@@malindaestrada6969 don’t be a PTA! It’s not how it was 13 years ago when I first got in. Insurance run the show, they determine how long you can tx a patient. Visits are now average 30 minutes. 30 minutes for a stroke patient or total joint patient fresh out surgery is not nearly enough. Your expected to do 30 minute treats and point of service documentation.. you will be scheduled 10 patients just to get a full day because of the shorter treatments. It’s also hard on the body. Unrealistic expectations from family members and upper management as well. Like trying to walk a patient that haven’t walked in 5 years etc. Girl the list go on. Plus Rad techs make more. Less physical work. Go into that!

[@pittste88]

i see a lot of northeast folks mentioning saleries, im curious how expensive your states are over there cause im in nebraska and while our saleries are lower here but our cost of living can be well below the avg. i see lots of offer from 27-40 depending on the need.

[@kroert2259]

$20 an hour in Wichita, Kansas. Gotta get out of here…

[@parkerevansofficial520]

Go look at northwest family physicians. They’re in whichta hiring $28 an hour or precision scans is also hiring

[@sunstatesnipr1k759]

GEEZUS Christ Whole Foods makes that

[@kroert2259]

@@parkerevansofficial520 will definitely look into that!

[@kroert2259]

@@sunstatesnipr1k759 yeah. It’s pretty insulting coming from a multi billion dollar hospital chain that has taken over here

[@mike_zilla8604]

Do you think you can expand a bit on travel contracts? I keep seeing travel rad tech contract within a 20 mile radius of my current residence, and the pay looks so nice! I'm just not sure if I am able to do those contracts while living so close. Or, if they will reduce the pay because I wouldn't need living stipends. Just so confused, but I really want to take those travel contracts. Thank you!❤

[@SydneyPipp]

You can take a contract that is in your local area! My sister took a “travel” contract within the hospital she works PRN for as an X-ray tech. She was able to negotiate pay and ended up making like $70 an hour just to commit to cover the hours they needed. The fact that hospitals are opening up travel contracts means that they are DESPERATE for staffing which puts you at a great advantage.

[@gavinlawwill9397]

i’m planning on going back to school to be a rad tech and eventually a radiologist any advice?

[@SydneyPipp]

My advice on going that route would be to fully immerse yourself in the reports that the radiologists write in your patients results when you’re a rad tech. You can gain so much knowledge by doing this and it will give you a leg up in med school.

[@jconti0727]

I have a bad back. My pain ranges day to day going from slight to moderate to severe. I have to do physical therapy just to reduce my pain. Is it still a good idea to pursue this career if I'm looking for stability? Do the stress on your back just depend on where you work or is it the same everywhere? I have also tried office work and sitting down for hours at a time also caused me pain. Any advice you can give me is super helpful.

[@SydneyPipp]

You might want to look into MRI if you choose to go the medical imaging route. They have outpatient facilities where most patients are able to move themselves and there is quite a bit of up and down but not as much as traditional X-ray. The part that I’d be concerned about for you is getting through school because in X-ray clinicals they expect you to be up and willing to do every exam which could be very hard on your back and you need to go through X-ray to become MRI certified (unless you can find a program that im not aware of). good luck!

[@pramilapoojary9349]

I take medical imaging technology how it is

[@ryanm1586]

I’m on track to getting a BS as a radiologic technologist, going to Cal State. Will this help my chances of getting a higher wage or does it make more sense for me to get an AA and start working?

[@SydneyPipp]

The likelihood of earning more with a bachelors degree in an entry level radiographer is not great. Some programs will only offer the degree as a bachelors though so your options may be limited since you’ve already started classes. However, if you’re looking more long term as far as eventually getting into management then a bachelors degree could be beneficial.

[@fernandomendoza4667]

Did you only use rad tech book camp for study for the board ? Or did you use other things . Did you study the questions in the learning lessons too ?

[@SydneyPipp]

I didn’t use rad tech boot camp but I’ve heard good things about it. I primarily used Mosby’s and a little bit of the yellow book. The most important take away that I got from studying is to not focus on memorizing questions and answers but to really understand the concept behind the question. Reading over the reasons why a question was marked as incorrect or correct helped me the most.

[@sam56094]

Great video , is it easy to find 3 day shifts ? Does having a bachelor degree help in hiring .

[@SydneyPipp]

3 twelve hour shifts are pretty common to find in larger hospitals. Having a bachelor degree typically does not help you get an entry level position. If you’re looking to go into management then hiring managers would be more inclined to hire someone with a bachelors.

[@sam56094]

@@SydneyPipp amazing advice . Thank you so much .

[@tiffanynelson2289]

What do new grad rad techs make in South Carolina? Also, do most jobs require you to be on call? Thanks!❤

[@SydneyPipp]

Hopefully someone from SC can provide you with some insight on what to expect in the job market there! If you work full time at a typical hospital there is usually a call hour requirement. However, my hospital doesn’t require anyone to take call hours but we all work well together with picking them up that it never becomes an issue for coverage. Outpatient centers/urgent care shouldn’t have call hours to be concerned about.

[@justinvideos2524]

Hey Sydney is possible to become a radiologist(physician) after completing a radiography degree?

[@SydneyPipp]

You can build upon an associates degree in radiology to earn your undergraduate degree before applying for grad/medical school.

[@AbdelateyTaheuf]

Hi Sydney, I am a MRI tech in MRI unit, with experience 14 years in MRI unit, but I'm living in Cairo, Egypt. Can I work in USA , How can I travel to USA to work as a MRI tech. You can help me please.

[@rachelshimeall4294]

You would have to research or ask someone locally how you carry your degree to America or what you would need to do to move and get an education here. Possibly there is some sort of program you could enter?

[@baguette8800]

i was wondering how hard was it for you to get into your program and how competitive it was getting in

[@SydneyPipp]

My school only accepts roughly 20 students for each cohort that starts in August with no waitlist. There is another school local to me that has a two year wait list but you're pretty much guaranteed a seat if you wait long enough (you have to take classes while you are on the wait list). I have a military background as well as transcripts from my degree in surgical technology so my application was approved fairly quickly.

[@KatherineEliana]

this is so crazy to me bc where I live starting as a new grad is $45+/hr

[@SydneyPipp]

That’s amazing! Cost of living in your area must be higher in comparison to mine 😅

[@KatherineEliana]

@@SydneyPipp NYC 😞

[@OgokeChimezie-kg5bw]

How hard is it for foreigners like myself to migrate into the USA to work as a rad tech Are there jobs available

[@brandonbellino8896]

You would need to apply to a school in the US, receive an acceptance, and then apply for a student visa. Then be offered a position once you graduate with a company that would be willing to sponsor your residency visa to remain in the US after you finish school.

[@brittneybarrett7611]

Girl! I just got accepted to the same school you went to (dont wanna say it for obvious reasons, lol)! I saw you on the college website video for radiology and then I was searching for videos on radiology on youtube and saw your thumbnail! I am so nervous to start clinical in august. Any tips for clinical at our college?

[@SydneyPipp]

That is so funny! I got pulled from class to do that interview 🤣 Your instructors are fantastic and will prepare you with all of the necessary knowledge, it’s on you to show up to clinical each day with confidence and the willingness to learn. You will see techs do things “their own way” and you can ask them why to pick up on tips or tricks that they have learned over the years. Some of the techs you work with will be great and others will be not so great.. but each will expect you to do things THEIR way. Play the game and learn what works best for you until you graduate and you can do things your way. Be eager to participate in exams- even if you’re just observing for the first day. If your patient care shines through then the patient won’t know that you have no idea what you’re doing the first week. Haha! I hope this helped, good luck!

[@brittneybarrett7611]

@@SydneyPipp thanks so much!!! It helps a lot to hear from someone that graduated from the same school I’m going to. Much appreciated ❤️

[@stubern11]

You think it would be a good option for someone that wants tk eventually be an Orthopod? Im starting school tbis coming up semester and would definitely need something to make good consistent money till i cam hopefully eventually go into further schooling

[@SydneyPipp]

Absolutely! Starting with a foundation in radiology will look good on grad school applications and will be extremely helpful as you progress in college.

[@stubern11]

@SydneyPipp I think you convinced me to do it then honestly, I'm all the way down here in texas and from what I've been seeing the pay is definitely worth it 👌🏽 I'm actually so excited for it! Lol

[@SydneyPipp]

I’m excited for you! Good luck with all of your schooling 😀

[@user-gk3su5jp8t]

Hello, "I hold a Bachelor's degree in Radiology from my home country, and I have completed coursework in fundamental physics, radiation physics, diagnostic physics, CT scan physics, MRI physics, and ultrasound physics during my undergraduate studies. I am wondering if I can apply as an international student for a Master's in Medical Physics at universities in the United States. I would appreciate any information you have on this matter. Thank you."

[@SydneyPipp]

I would contact the college that you are interested in attending directly to see how your credits would transfer and what additional courses you may need to attend their masters program. Each university has different requirements so narrowing down the potential ones you’d like to attend and sending their admissions office an inquiry is a good start.

[@gordy7006]

Anyone know what to expect in terms of salary for San Francisco/Oakland?

[@alexbob5209]

150k

[@Emily-fn9yf]

Is an X-ray tech and RAD tech the same?

[@SydneyPipp]

Yes, we go by many names. X-ray tech, radiographer, radiologic technologist..

[@user-pc9gx3qo4e]

Hi may? how to be a registered RT in the US? where should i go first? I am a registered Radiologic tech in the PH.

[@hyungwonieee4795]

hello po, kumusta po salary ng rad tech dito sa'tin?😢 I don't know what to take in college kasi wala naman akong passion other than drawing (which ayoko gawing career more of hobby lang) I'm thinking of IT kasi maganda raw job opportunities, gusto ng parents ko naman something in med like nursing but i really don't like it kasi super nakakapagod and also takot ako sa dugo and madali ako mag panic kapag nakakakita ng mga injured then I bumped into radtech doing my research pa abt sa course na to po

[@Alan-gf5tp]

Good lord you're beautiful

[@FranArmyChihuahuaLove]

Does having a bachelors degree versus associates make any difference when getting hired or the amount of money made???

[@SydneyPipp]

I just earned my bachelor’s degree and haven’t received a raise yet (but I’m definitely going to be asking for one in May) so I’m not sure if there is any actual difference in pay. However, it doesn’t help with getting hired in my area. Hospitals around here will try to snatch students even before they finish their associates so having a bachelors doesn’t matter in that aspect.

[@lghanshika]

Hello.Im from srilanka.Bsc radiograper .I have HCPC.can international rad tec work in us?

[@OtiwaBeatrice]

Yes you can

[@justSTUMBLEDupon]

What if you already have a non medical degree like an English degree ? Is it still 2 years?

[@SydneyPipp]

The program itself is still two years where you will have to take the core curriculum and clinicals. However, some of your credits may transfer and make the course load more manageable if you need to work during school.

[@AfiOyeTheNurse]

The school I went to accepted my associates degree in psych. None of my credits transfered. I had to do the full two years

[@CaptainFatfuk]

In California does x ray tech make 6 figs? Entry level 100k? What would be the lowest?

[@alexbob5209]

About 60 the hour

[@CaptainFatfuk]

@@alexbob5209 godamn. Ima go for this. Programs im seeing right now are offering cardiovascular program, sonography, and ultrasound, also MRI I forgot to mention that but not x ray tech for some reason

[@8honeybunnie8]

Average around me is 40-50 out of school. Per diem can make more but it's not full time and you don't get benefits.

[@alexbob5209]

@@8honeybunnie8 can you work full time at one hospital and then per diem at another hospital?

[@8honeybunnie8]

@@alexbob5209 I know a few people who work at more than one hospital. So I suppose you can. Work/life balance would suck though.

[@codyd7841]

In order to get into something like radiation therapy do you think it would be smart to first go for radiation tech.

[@SydneyPipp]

Radiation therapy is a completely different program so if that is your end goal it would be a waste of time and money to become an X-ray tech first.

[@kalibbarnes9548]

5-6 years, a bachelor degree. You could start out as a x ray tech. What I’m trying to do. Just in a runt. Don’t know how I am going to work and go to clinical.

[@SydneyPipp]

If I were you then I would look into potential programs you want to apply for to do radiation therapy and contact the school to see what the tuition difference and time frames would be for either direction. I had a coworker that was an X-ray tech and went into radiation therapy after about 5 years and that route worked well for him but he also accumulated a lot of student loan debt. X-ray clinicals are a huge part of the program and if that is not something you’re able to make work then you can talk to specific schools to find a route that works for you.

[@codyd7841]

@@SydneyPipp thx for the advice will do I like the job stability of radiation tech but the pay does look much better in radiation therapy. Still don't 100% know what I'm going to do.

[@SydneyPipp]

Pay for radiation therapy is outrageous.. definitely worth looking into. It also takes a special person to handle the emotional impact radiation therapy has on their mental health. There is an extreme level of empathy that it takes to be a good radiation therapist. Good luck with the path you decide to take, either one is a good one!

[@noeorozco5054]

do u need to ge vaccinated?

[@SydneyPipp]

Typically you would need to be vaccinated to go through the rad tech program and to work in a hospital. There are certain exemptions you are able to claim to get around this requirement but that is up to the program and hospitals discretion to accept or deny your exemption.

[@ravenblanco9659]

what county you are mam? I thought youre from Australia. 😅 are you from US?

[@SydneyPipp]

I wish I was from Australia! I am in the US.

[@staciefitzpatrick3163]

In your profession, do you see a wide range of all ages? I am considering a career change but I'm in my 40's. I guess never too late, right!!!

[@SydneyPipp]

Yes! I work with a few grandparents even. You may find that your classmates are mostly 18-20ish but once you’re out in the field there is a large variety of ages to work with. This is my third career choice so it is absolutely never too late to make a change!

[@brandiclyburn8014]

​@SydneyPipp thanks for the encouragement

[@jillmorfin1820]

I’m going back to school I’m 46 and excited to get back into the medical field 😊

[@leovargas760]

I’m 34 years old you think I’m to old to go to school for x-ray tech

[@SydneyPipp]

@@leovargas760 my husband finished the program last year, he is 39. You’re definitely not too old!

[@LuisGarcia-sm2xd]

I use a cane but i am mobile i have a bit of arthritis in my hips and spine will this prohibit me from being employed as a rad tech?

[@SydneyPipp]

Employers would not be able to discriminate based on your medical history. However, this job requires a lot of standing and oftentimes you need both hands above your head to move the “camera” into proper positions (often multiple times per exam). I’m adults facilities you frequently assist elders with moving and it can be a very physically demanding job. If you’re interested in medical imaging I would look into ultrasound (sonography) as they are able to perform their jobs while sitting and rely on hand/wrist strength primarily.