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Top 10 radiology tech jobs and who’s hiring

Explore the top 10 radiology tech jobs and companies that are hiring. Find your next career in the growing field of radiology tech today!

Radiology is a very lucrative and highly sought-after career path in the medical industry, and it doesn’t always require a bachelor’s degree. Sometimes, you only need an accredited certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Radiologic techs specialize in many areas, and various full-time and part-time radiology tech jobs offer a sign-on bonus that you can pursue after an education in radiology.

We’ve compiled some of the top radiology tech jobs, their annual salaries, and which companies are hiring on Handshake to help you find the right career path based on your skills and educational goals.

1. Radiology technologist

The primary responsibility of a radiology technologist, also known as an X-ray tech, rad tech, or radiologic technologist, is to perform diagnostic radiology or imaging on patients’ bodies. A radiologist uses imaging equipment to create internal images of the body or administer radiation treatment. An X-ray technician assists physicians in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, and other medical center settings. An X-ray technologist also works PRN (pro re nata, which means “as needed”). PRN employees work on-call with the health care team and fill in when needed.

Average salary: $74,722 per year

Education requirements:

  • Associate degree in radiologic technology
  • ARRT certification (preferred)
  • Possible state-specific licensing

Skills and experience needed:

  • Good communication skills
  • Responsive to patient needs
  • Ability to position patients for imaging
  • Technical aptitude

2. MRI technologist

An MRI technologist, or magnetic resonance technologist, uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images of an area of the human body for medical analysis. MRI technologists need to understand how to operate special equipment and position the patient in the scanner to get clear images.

Average salary: $87,161 per year

Education requirements:

  • Associate degree in radiography, radiologic sciences, or other associate degree, plus an MRI tech training program
  • ARRT certification (preferred)
  • Possible state-specific licensing

Skills and experience needed:

  • Technical skills
  • Organization and attention to detail
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Critical thinking capabilities

3. Diagnostic technologist

This type of health care technologist is a trained medical professional specializing in using and maintaining imaging equipment and performing diagnostic tests. Technologists in this job type take, develop, and interpret radiographs and assist physicians during procedures. These professionals work in various health care professions, such as radiology, cardiology, and neurology.

Average salary: $70,297 per year

Education requirements:

  • Associate degree in radiology or a related field
  • ARRT certification (preferred)
  • Possible state-specific licensing

Skills and experience needed:

  • Technical skills
  • Ability to follow specific instructions
  • Ability to work with patients in a medical setting
  • Ability to accurately observe, collect, and record data

4. Mammographer

Also called a mammography technologist, this refers to a certified technologist trained to perform breast images under a physician’s supervision. They explain the process to patients, position the patient to perform the test, and monitor the scanning. Afterward, the mammographer reviews the results and determines if the images are acceptable for diagnostic purposes.

Average salary: $94,749 per year

Education requirements:

  • Associate degree in radiology
  • ARRT certification (in most states)
  • State-specific license to perform radiography

Skills and experience needed:

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Organized and detail-oriented
  • Ability to explain procedures to patients in a clear and reassuring manner
  • Attention to detail

5. Computed tomography technologist

A computed tomography technologist (or CT tech) uses computed tomography (CT) scanners to take images of a patient’s body at different angles to help in a diagnosis or identify injuries. They’ll prepare patients for procedures and facilitate the imaging process to help the doctor diagnose medical conditions like cancer or other abnormalities. You can start as a radiology technologist and train to become a CT technologist.

Average salary: $89,253 per year

Education requirements:

  • Accredited radiology-related degree
  • ARRT certification
  • Possible state-specific licensing

Skills and experience needed:

  • Ability to accurately interpret physicians’ scanning instructions
  • Ability to administer contrast materials
  • Technical skills
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills

6. Cardiac interventional technologist

This type of radiology tech helps physicians by performing tests and examining patients with cardiac and blood vessel diseases. In cardiac interventional radiology, technologists work with fluoroscopic equipment to capture images of the heart and blood vessels. They also assist with various procedures, depending on the lab’s needs.

Average salary: $123,902 per year

Education requirements:

  • ARRT certification and registration
  • Possible state-specific licensing
  • Basic life support training (preferred)

Skills and experience needed:

  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong understanding of the cardiovascular system
  • Proficient understanding of advancing imaging technologies
  • Patient care

7. Vascular interventional technologist

This is a type of interventional radiology technologist who uses special equipment to take images and assist in minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat vascular conditions. These professionals have direct patient contact and create images using fluoroscopic equipment. Vascular interventional technologists work alongside nurses and physicians in hospitals, specialized clinics, and outpatient care facilities.

Average salary: $134,312 per year

Education requirements:

  • Associate degree in radiographic technology or a related field
  • ARRT certification
  • Clinical experience
  • Possible state-specific licensing

Skills and experience needed:

  • Understanding of the vascular system
  • Using and maintaining specialized equipment
  • Patient care and monitoring
  • Effective communication

8. Bone densitometry technologist

A bone densitometry technologist uses X-ray equipment to measure bone mineral density in specific areas of the body. They work with doctors who use this information to estimate the amount of bone loss due to health conditions like osteoporosis. These radiology techs interact with patients, position them to perform necessary procedures, and record the results for physicians.

Average salary: $76,268 per year

Education requirements:

  • ARRT certification (preferred)

Skills and experience needed:

  • Patient skills and a good bedside manner
  • Familiarity with bone structure and factors influencing bone health
  • Understanding of radiation safety

9. Nuclear medicine technologist

Professionals in this technologist subset give patients small doses of radioactive drugs (radiopharmaceuticals) and use imaging equipment to record the radioactive material in the body. They also analyze specimens in the lab and explain procedures to patients. Because nuclear medicine technologists administer radiation to patients, they must take the proper steps to limit radiation exposure to patients and staff members. Nuclear medicine is also used for cancer treatment in radiation therapy.

Average salary: $100,807 per year

Education requirements:

  • Associate degree in radiology or a related field (preferred)
  • Completion of certification program through ARRT (preferred)
  • Possible state-specific licensing

Skills and experience needed:

  • X-ray imaging
  • Ability to understand and follow strict radiation safety protocols
  • Proficiency in operating and maintaining nuclear medicine imaging equipment
  • Excellent communication

10. Sonographer

Medical sonographers specialize in using imaging devices to produce sonograms or ultrasounds of the body’s internal structures. They prepare patients for imaging procedures, review diagnostic images for clarity, and summarize their findings for physicians. They also work directly with patients to explain the process and address any concerns. Depending on the work environment, some employers may require sonographers to be on-call.

Average salary: $81,060 per year

Education requirements:

  • Associate degree covering medical science and anatomy
  • Completion of a certificate program (including clinical work) in diagnostic medical sonography available through colleges, universities, and teaching hospitals
  • Basic life support training (preferred)

Skills and experience needed:

  • Ability to operate imaging equipment
  • Ability to review X-ray images for clarity
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Good communication
  • Attention to detail

Which companies are hiring radiology techs on Handshake?

If you’re interested in a job working with diagnostic imaging equipment, there are plenty of radiology tech jobs for you to explore. Employment opportunities continue to grow, and you can typically start with an associate degree and/or accredited certification. Plus, there are possibilities for advancement or specialization in a particular field, which can increase your earning potential in the long run.

See what job openings are available when you join Handshake today! Connect with the best employers looking for your unique skill set, and even set up job alerts to let you know when positions open up.

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