Radiology is a growing field and an important part of the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Radiology techs, also known as X-Ray Techs, are trained to operate the equipment to take images, and many people are now exploring this career path due to the competitive X Ray Tech salary.
X-Ray Techs are Allied Health Professionals who work with radiologists, surgeons, physicians and other healthcare providers in many different specialties. They support and assist physicians during procedures to get images as quickly and accurately as possible.
As technology advances, so will the need for experienced professionals, and X-Ray Technician salary will increase. How much do X Ray techs make?
Ready to get on the bandwagon? Check out our Travel X-ray Tech jobs.
What is an X Ray Tech?
X-ray techs take images of different body parts to help diagnose and treat an injury or illness. Some of their responsibilities include:
- Make sure the X-ray machines are in working order
- Follow safe protocols when using equipment and taking images
- Position patients for imaging
- Injecting contrast media for specific tests
- Communicating with providers on test results
X-ray techs require a deep understanding of X-ray principles, cross-sectional anatomy, and specific imaging techniques, strong communication skills, and adherence to safety protocols when working with patients.
What is the Average X Ray Tech Salary in the U.S.?
How much do X Ray techs make? According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, the median yearly X Ray tech salary is $61,980, or slightly under $30 per hour. A more recent statistic from ZipRecruiter indicates this has decreased in 2023, with an average annual X Ray technician salary of $54,809.
Top 5 States for an X-Ray Technician
Here are the top five paying states for X-ray technicians according to ZipRecruiter.
ZipRecruiter also reports the highest-paying cities for X-ray technicians, making narrowing your search easier. Although California didn’t make the list of the top five paying states (they are almost halfway down the list!), cities located there dominate.
As always, when job-hunting, keep in mind the cost of living. While Tennessee and Hawaii top the list as the highest-paying states, the cost of living between these two states couldn’t be more different. How much do XRay techs make? The answer may surprise you.
Average Salary Differences Between Travel and Permanent X-Ray Technicians
Like most fields in healthcare, contracted staff get paid more than permanent staff.
According to ZipRecruiter, the “Travel X-Ray Technologist ” job title averages an annual X Ray tech salary of $97,697. A nearly $30,000 difference from the annual X Ray tech salary of the highest paying city for a permanent X-ray technician.
With premium pay rates, travel opportunities come with flexibility, exploring new locations, and a resume that will impress any hiring manager if you choose to return to a permanent position.
What Factors Influence X Ray Technician Salary?
Location, setting, demand, experience, and education all influence pay. Southern states frequently have lower wages for medical workers. This is true with X-ray technicians, as the lowest paying state is Georgia at $38,794, North Carolina at $40,976, and Florida at $41,167.
Job Growth
The BLS predicts that X-ray technician positions will grow 6% over the current decade and add about 16,600 jobs per year to the healthcare field in the US. The more demand for a job, the more competitive the pay becomes.
As our population ages, chronic diseases will rise, and X-rays, CT scans, mammograms, and more will be needed for cancer, autoimmune diseases, strokes, arthritis, and falls and injuries.
Work Environment
X-ray technicians can find employment in various healthcare facilities. According to the BLS, hospitals are the largest employer of X-Ray Tech with 58% of jobs. Hospitals are more likely to employ a wide range of X-ray techs (from entry-level to experienced), so there is a broader X Ray tech salary range.
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Other potential work settings include:
- Physician offices – 19%
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories – 7%
- Outpatient care centers – 7%
- Federal government – 3%
Education and Accreditation
To become an X-Ray Technician, the minimum education required is an Associate’s degree in Radiology from an accredited program, which takes about 2 years to complete.
There are options to pursue higher education like a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, including more advanced imaging techniques. Some programs may require you to complete an internship, which gives you on-the-job training.
Students then must pass their state’s certification exam. Advances in education will translate to higher pay rates.
Years of Experience
Years of hands-on experience are valuable to an employer. For example, X-ray techs work with patients with mobility issues due to injury or illness, so they must have excellent communication skills, compassion and knowledge to prepare patients and position them to get images while keeping them safe. Always highlight your experience when negotiating for a higher X Ray tech salary.
Specialized Training and Certifications
X-ray technicians may choose to specialize in a specific setting or type of imaging, which could offer higher pay. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers credentials in the following pathways:
- Bone densitometry
- Sonography
- Cardiac interventional radiology
- Mammography
- Nuclear medicine technology
Top States and Cities for X-Ray Technician Salary
X-ray techs, or radiologic technologists, are an important part of the medical field, using imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat patients.
So how much do X Ray techs make around the country? X Ray tech pay varies greatly depending on the state and city in which they work. Here, we will look at the top states and cities for X Ray tech pay so you can decide if you are considering this career. So where do XRay techs make the most money?
California
California is one of the states with the highest paying X-ray techs, with an average salary of $83,610 per year, according to the BLS. The state’s large population and high demand for medical services create a strong job market and a competitive travel X Ray tech salar .
Cities like San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles are the most lucrative with average annual X Ray tech pay ranging from $90,000 to over $100,000. This is a great place to be if you want to maximize your earnings in radiology.
New York
New York is another state where X-ray techs can get high X Ray tech pay, with an average annual X Ray tech salary of $76,510, according to the BLS. The state’s high population and cost of living play a big role in driving up the salary.
In cities like New York City, Buffalo and Rochester, X-ray techs can earn average an annual travel X Ray tech salary from $80,000 to over $90,000. This is a great option for radiologic technologists who want competitive pay.
Florida
How much do X Ray techs make in Florida? Florida is a popular state for X-ray techs, and its large aging population is increasing the demand for medical services. The average annual X Ray tech salary in Florida is $69,610, according to the BLS.
Cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando offer a competitive travel x ray tech salary with average annual salary from $65,000 to over $75,000. The growing need for healthcare services in Florida makes it a good state to be in if you’re pursuing a career in radiology.
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FAQs – X Ray Tech Salary
What is the average travel X Ray tech salary in 2025?
In 2025, the average travel X Ray tech salary ranges from $2,000 to $2,700 per week, with some high-demand assignments paying over $3,000 weekly. Annual earnings can exceed $97,000, depending on location, experience, and certifications.
How much do X Ray techs make in top-paying states?
X Ray tech salary varies by state. Top-paying states like California, New York, and Hawaii offer average X Ray pay from $80,000 to over $100,000 annually, especially in major metro areas.
What factors influence X Ray tech pay?
Key factors affecting X Ray tech pay include geographic location, years of experience, certification level, and job setting. Travel roles typically offer higher compensation than permanent positions.
How to become a travel X Ray tech?
To become a travel X Ray tech, first earn an associate degree in radiologic technology from an accredited program. Then, pass your state licensing or ARRT certification exam and apply through a travel healthcare staffing agency.
How to increase your X Ray tech salary?
You can boost your X Ray tech salary by gaining experience, pursuing specialty certifications (like mammography or cardiac imaging), and working in high-demand travel roles or major urban areas.
Is travel X Ray tech pay higher than permanent positions?
Yes. Travel X Ray tech salary is often $20,000–$30,000 higher annually than permanent positions due to factors like short-term demand, housing stipends, and location premiums.
