The average salary of a radiologic technologist rose by 11.2% over the past three years and now averages $77,027, according to results from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Wage and Salary Survey 2022.
The survey shows that all major disciplines in radiologic technology saw average annual increases since 2019, with some areas showing greater gains than others.
“Compared to the 2019 wage and salary survey, the 2022 survey shows consistent gains across all practice areas,” said John Culbertson, M.A., M.Ed., ASRT director of research. “One should keep in mind the impact of the pandemic and rising inflation as contributing factors during this time period.”
Among major disciplines, radiographers experienced the largest average gains at 12.8%, from a $57,865 average annual salary in 2019 to $65,246 in 2022. Computed tomography followed with an 11.8% increase, moving from $69,896 to $78,159. Mammographers saw a 10.6% increase from $71,725 to $79,323. Radiation therapists experienced an 8.4% increase from $89,159 to $96,650. Magnetic resonance imaging technologists saw their pay increase by 8.2% from $76,177 to $82,395.
In addition, nuclear medicine technologists saw salaries increase by 6.2% and sonographers experienced a 5.8% increase.
The disciplines with the highest reported mean compensation were medical dosimetry at $131,766 and breast MRI at $119,944.
In addition to wage variations for different practice areas, salaries also fluctuate from region to region. On average, R.T.s working in California have the highest annual compensation at $114,123, followed by technologists in the District of Columbia at $96,954. Technologists in Nebraska earned the lowest base annual compensation at $54,894.
The survey also highlights R.T.s’ satisfaction with their compensation. Responses show that nearly half of respondents, 46.6%, are either satisfied or very satisfied with their pay. Regarding their benefits, 49.1% were either very satisfied or satisfied with their benefits.
The ASRT sent questionnaires in February 2022 to all currently practicing ASRT members with an email address in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. A total of 10,775 radiologic technologists returned completed questionnaires, resulting in an 8% return rate.
The ASRT conducts the Wage and Salary Survey every three years and has captured longitudinal data since 2001.
ASRT members can access the complete 2022 survey here.