If you're exploring a career that combines cutting-edge medical technology, direct patient care, and strong earning potential, becoming an Interventional Radiology (IR) Technologist should be on your radar. This dynamic and challenging role is not only at the forefront of modern medicine but also offers a financially rewarding path. So, what can you expect to earn? While salaries vary, many IR Techs command annual incomes ranging from $70,000 to over $95,000, with top earners exceeding six figures.
This guide will break down the typical Interventional Radiology Technologist salary, explore the key factors that can significantly increase your earnings, and look at the promising future of this profession.
What Does an Interventional Radiology Tech Do?
An Interventional Radiology Technologist, also known as an IR Tech, is a highly specialized radiologic technologist who works alongside interventional radiologists and nurses. They are critical members of a team that performs minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases.
Forget routine X-rays; IR Techs are in the middle of the action. Their responsibilities include:
- Preparing sterile procedure rooms and sophisticated equipment, such as C-arms and angiography suites.
- Positioning patients and ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
- Operating advanced imaging equipment to provide real-time visuals that guide the physician’s catheters, wires, and stents.
- Assisting physicians during procedures like angioplasty, stenting, thrombolysis (clot-busting), and tumor embolization.
- Monitoring patient vitals and managing imaging data.
It's a high-stakes, hands-on role that requires a unique blend of technical expertise, critical thinking, and a calm demeanor under pressure.
Average Interventional Radiology Tech Salary
Because Interventional Radiology is a specialization, IR Techs typically earn more than general radiologic technologists. The advanced skills, on-call responsibilities, and complexity of the procedures command a higher salary.
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups all "Radiologic Technologists and Technicians" together, reporting a median pay of $73,410 per year as of May 2023, data from specialized salary aggregators highlights the premium earned by IR Techs.
- Salary.com reports that the median annual salary for an Interventional Radiology Technologist in the United States is approximately $83,569 as of early 2024. The typical salary range falls between $75,695 and $92,052.
- Glassdoor places the average total pay for an IR Tech at around $89,800 per year, including potential additional compensation like bonuses and profit-sharing.
- Payscale notes that the average base salary is around $75,500 per year, with the top 10% of earners reaching upwards of $98,000.
These figures often do not include on-call pay, overtime, or shift differentials, which can further increase an IR Tech’s total compensation.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your base salary is just a starting point. Several key factors can dramatically impact your earning potential. Understanding these variables is crucial for maximizing your income throughout your career.
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Level of Education & Certification
While an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Radiologic Technology is the standard entry point, further education and, most importantly, advanced certification are the biggest salary drivers.
- Baseline Education: You must first earn at least an associate degree and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination in Radiography (R).
- Advanced Certification: The key to becoming a high-earning IR Tech is obtaining the post-primary certification in Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI) or Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI) from the ARRT. Possessing the ARRT (VI) credential is often a requirement for top jobs and is directly linked to a significant pay increase.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) can open doors to leadership roles, such as a lead technologist, department manager, or clinical instructor, all of which come with higher salaries.
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Years of Experience
As with most professions, experience pays. The skills you develop in handling complex cases, operating diverse equipment, and anticipating the needs of the radiologist are highly valued.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): New graduates who have just earned their VI certification can expect to start in the range of $65,000 to $75,000, depending on the location and employer.
- Mid-Career (3-9 years): With several years of hands-on experience, IR Techs can command salaries in the $75,000 to $90,000 range. They are proficient in a wide array of procedures and require minimal supervision.
- Senior-Level (10+ years): Highly experienced IR Techs, especially those who take on training, lead tech, or specialized roles (e.g., in neuro-interventional), can earn $95,000 to $115,000+ per year.
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Geographic Location
Where you work is one of the most significant factors determining your salary. High cost-of-living areas and regions with high demand for healthcare professionals typically offer the best pay. According to BLS data for all radiologic technologists (which serves as a strong indicator for IR specialists), the top-paying states include:
- California: ($103,430 median salary)
- Hawaii: ($94,150 median salary)
- Washington D.C. ($89,140 median salary)
- Massachusetts: ($88,090 median salary)
- Oregon: ($87,700 median salary)
Salaries in major metropolitan areas within these and other states (like New York City, Boston, and San Francisco) will generally be higher than in rural communities, though the cost of living will also be greater.
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Company Type
The type of facility you work for also plays a major role in your compensation package.
- Large Hospitals & Trauma Centers: These facilities often perform the most complex procedures and require 24/7 coverage, leading to higher base salaries and ample opportunities for on-call and overtime pay.
- Outpatient Clinics & Ambulatory Surgery Centers: While these centers may offer a better work-life balance with fewer on-call demands, their base salaries can sometimes be slightly lower than those at major hospitals.
- Academic Medical Centers: Working at a university-affiliated hospital can provide unique opportunities for research and teaching, often with competitive salaries and excellent benefits.
- Travel IR Tech Agencies: For those with significant experience and a desire for flexibility, becoming a travel IR Technologist can be extremely lucrative. Travel assignments typically offer very high weekly stipends and salaries to fill short-term needs, with total compensation often exceeding $120,000 per year.
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Area of Specialization
Interventional Radiology is itself a specialty, but there are further sub-specializations that can boost your value. Technologists who are skilled in highly complex areas are in greater demand. For example, an IR Tech who is cross-trained and proficient in Neuro-Interventional procedures (treating strokes and aneurysms) or can float to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) is a huge asset to an employer and can command a premium salary.
Job Outlook
The future for Interventional Radiology Technologists is exceptionally bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for radiologic and MRI technologists will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is fueled by two key trends:
1. An Aging Population: As the baby-boomer generation ages, there is an increased incidence of medical conditions like vascular disease and cancer, which are often treated with minimally invasive interventional procedures.
2. Advancements in Technology: Patients and physicians increasingly prefer minimally invasive techniques over traditional open surgery due to lower risks, reduced pain, and faster recovery times. This directly increases the demand for skilled IR Techs.
Conclusion
A career as an Interventional Radiology Technologist offers a powerful combination of purpose, challenge, and financial security. The salary potential is strong, with a clear path to earning a high income that outpaces many other healthcare support roles.
For those considering this path, the key takeaways are:
- Pursue Advanced Certification: Earning your ARRT (VI) or (CI) credential is the single most important step to maximizing your salary.
- Gain Diverse Experience: The more procedures you master, the more valuable you become.
- Be Strategic About Location: Research salaries in different states and cities to find a location that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle.
- Never Stop Learning: Staying current with new technologies and procedures, especially in sub-specialties like neuro-interventional, will ensure you remain in high demand throughout your career.
For a dedicated professional passionate about making a difference, the role of an Interventional Radiology Technologist is an outstanding career choice with a promising and profitable future.