What You Need to Know About Radiologic Technologist
Job Description: Take x rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient’s blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities.
List of Radiologic Technologist Job Duties
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
- Measure thickness of section to be radiographed, using instruments similar to measuring tapes.
- Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Radiologic Technologist?
Radiologic Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- X-Ray Technologist (X-Ray Tech)
- Staff Technologist
- Radiographer Technologist
- Ultrasound Technologist
- 3D Technologist
Are There Job Opportunities for Radiologic Technologists?
There were about 205,200 jobs for Radiologic Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,300 new jobs for Radiologic Technologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 13,600 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Radiologic Technologist are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Illinois, Rhode Island, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Radiologic Technologist Salary
The average yearly salary of a Radiologic Technologist ranges between $40,630 and $86,350.

Radiologic Technologists who work in California, District of Columbia, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Radiologic Technologists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $47,510 |
Alaska | $73,250 |
Arizona | $65,220 |
Arkansas | $48,740 |
California | $81,060 |
Colorado | $64,660 |
Connecticut | $69,100 |
Delaware | $60,550 |
District of Columbia | $77,990 |
Florida | $56,650 |
Georgia | $56,740 |
Hawaii | $76,230 |
Idaho | $59,060 |
Illinois | $64,690 |
Indiana | $56,640 |
Iowa | $53,520 |
Kansas | $54,100 |
Kentucky | $52,300 |
Louisiana | $51,120 |
Maine | $58,030 |
Maryland | $68,450 |
Massachusetts | $74,820 |
Michigan | $55,970 |
Minnesota | $67,070 |
Mississippi | $48,150 |
Missouri | $53,990 |
Montana | $54,700 |
Nebraska | $53,490 |
Nevada | $70,770 |
New Hampshire | $62,420 |
New Jersey | $66,730 |
New Mexico | $58,300 |
New York | $69,250 |
North Carolina | $58,060 |
North Dakota | $55,970 |
Ohio | $56,920 |
Oklahoma | $54,380 |
Oregon | $73,720 |
Pennsylvania | $53,640 |
Rhode Island | $68,750 |
South Carolina | $53,890 |
South Dakota | $52,400 |
Tennessee | $51,580 |
Texas | $58,760 |
Utah | $57,040 |
Vermont | $62,200 |
Virginia | $61,440 |
Washington | $71,020 |
West Virginia | $49,740 |
Wisconsin | $58,570 |
Wyoming | $57,720 |
What Tools do Radiologic Technologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Radiologic Technologists:
- Microsoft Office
- MEDITECH software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Medical condition coding software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Practice management software PMS
- Diagnostic and procedural coding software
- Information systems integration software
- Medical software
- Structured data entry software
- Internet or intranet image distribution software
- Diagnostic image review software
- Information management subsystem software
- Film processor tracking and management software
- Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software
- Virtual reality computed tomography CT imaging software
Becoming a Radiologic Technologist
Learn what Radiologic Technologist education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

Where do Radiologic Technologists Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Radiologic Technologists employed by various industries.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Radiologic Technologist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |