Why I Left My Job as a Bank Teller to Become a Radiologic Technologist — Here's What I Make and How I Did It

How Much Does a Radiology Tech Make in 2026? Salary, Training and Career Outlook

I used to count other people's money for a living. Now I take pictures of their bones — and I make almost twice as much doing it.

Three years ago, I was sitting in a stuffy bank branch in suburban Chicago, staring at a computer screen, wondering how I ended up here. I was 27 years old. I had a bachelor's degree in something I never used. I was making $38,000 a year, and I hated every minute of it.

Today, I'm a registered radiologic technologist. I work at a busy hospital. I make $68,000 a year. I have weekends off. I'm not rich, but I'm not struggling anymore. And honestly? I'm proud of what I do.

Here's how I did it — and how much you can really make in this field.

The $65,000 Question

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a radiologic technologist is $65,000 per year. But that number doesn't tell you the full story. It doesn't tell you that in California, rad techs are pulling in $80,000. It doesn't tell you that in New York, it's $72,000. And it definitely doesn't tell you that in Texas, you'll be lucky to crack $61,000.

The gap between the highest-paying state and the lowest is nearly $30,000. That's a mortgage payment. That's a car. That's a life-changing difference.

Radiologic technologist salary 2026 is expected to increase as demand for imaging services grows. Radiologic technologist jobs are in high demand, with a projected growth rate of 10% through 2030. Hospitals are desperate for qualified techs. They're offering signing bonuses. They're offering tuition reimbursement. They're poaching from each other.

And here's the thing: you don't need a four-year degree to get started. A two-year associate degree is enough to sit for the ARRT certification exam. That's what I did.

What I Make as a Rad Tech

I've been a radiologic technologist for three years now. I started at $54,000. After my first year, I got a raise to $58,000. After my second year, I hit $62,000. Now, with three years of experience, I'm at $68,000.

How much does a rad tech make with 1-5 years of experience? $58,000 per year. How much does a rad tech make with 5-10 years of experience? $68,000 per year. How much does a rad tech make with 10+ years of experience? $78,000 per year.

I know a guy who's been doing this for 15 years. He works in California. He makes $90,000. He drives a Tesla. I'm not saying that's typical, but it's possible.

How much does a radiology tech make an hour? The average hourly rate is $31.25. I make $32.70. I work 40 hours a week. Sometimes I pick up overtime. Sometimes I don't.

What It Took to Get Here

To become a radiologic technologist, you need to complete a radiologic technology program and become certified. Rad tech programs near me are available at community colleges and universities. Here's what I did:

• Step 1: I enrolled in a two-year associate degree program in radiologic technology at my local community college. It cost me about $12,000 total. I took out a small loan. I worked part-time while I studied.
• Step 2: I passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. I studied for three months. I used practice tests. I passed on my first try.
• Step 3: I applied for state licensure. In my state, it was a simple application process.
• Step 4: I applied for jobs. I sent out 20 applications. I got five interviews. I received two offers.

The whole process took about two and a half years from start to finish. It wasn't easy. But it was worth it.

The Zip Code Factor

Where you work determines how much you earn. Here are the highest-paying states for radiologic technologists:

• California: $80,000 per year
• New York: $72,000 per year
• Massachusetts: $70,000 per year
• Washington: $69,000 per year
• Oregon: $68,000 per year

In Texas, the average annual salary for a radiologic technologist is $61,000. In Florida, it's $59,000. The pay gap between high-paying states and lower-paying ones can be significant — and it's something to consider when planning your career.

I live in Illinois. The average salary here is $63,000. I make a little more because I work in a hospital system that pays well. But if I moved to California tomorrow, I could make $80,000. That's tempting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does a radiologic technologist make?
A: The average salary for a radiologic technologist is $65,000 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage was $65,000 in 2025.

Q: How much do rad techs make an hour?
A: The average hourly rate for a radiologic technologist is $31.25. Entry-level techs earn around $22 per hour, while experienced techs can earn $38 or more.

Q: What is the job outlook for radiologic technologists?
A: Employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 10% through 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Q: How do I become a radiologic technologist?
A: Complete a two-year associate degree program in radiologic technology, pass the ARRT certification exam, and obtain state licensure where required.

Q: What is the highest-paying state for radiologic technologists?
A: California is the highest-paying state at $80,000 per year, followed by New York at $72,000 and Massachusetts at $70,000.