Considering a career as a radiologic technologist in the Lone Star State? You're looking at a profession that is not only vital to modern healthcare but also offers a stable and rewarding career path with significant growth potential. In Texas, the demand for skilled imaging professionals is strong, leading to competitive salaries. While the average radiologic technologist can expect to earn around $69,000 to $74,000 annually, your specific income can vary significantly based on your experience, location, and specialization.
This in-depth guide will break down everything you need to know about a radiologic technologist's salary in Texas, exploring the key factors that influence your earning potential and the bright future this career holds.
What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
A radiologic technologist, also known as a radiographer or rad tech, is a healthcare professional who specializes in creating diagnostic medical images. They are the experts who blend compassionate patient care with technical precision. Their core responsibilities include:
- Operating Imaging Equipment: Using sophisticated technology like X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, and mammography units.
- Patient Positioning: Carefully and comfortably positioning patients to ensure high-quality, clear images are captured for accurate diagnosis.
- Radiation Safety: Implementing safety protocols to protect patients, themselves, and other medical staff from unnecessary radiation exposure.
- Physician Collaboration: Working closely with radiologists and other doctors to ensure the correct diagnostic procedures are performed.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed patient records and the images captured during procedures.
Average Radiologic Technologist Salary in Texas
When looking at salary data, it's essential to consult multiple authoritative sources to get a complete picture.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 data, the most recent comprehensive report available, radiologic technologists in Texas earn an average annual salary of $72,130, which translates to an hourly wage of $34.68.
However, an average doesn't tell the whole story. The salary range in Texas provides a clearer view of earning potential based on career progression:
- Entry-Level (Bottom 10%): Earn around $50,560 per year.
- Mid-Range (50th Percentile): Earn $70,890 per year.
- Senior-Level (Top 10%): Can earn $98,120 or more per year.
Data from salary aggregators like Salary.com corroborates this, reporting a typical range for a Radiologic Technologist in Texas between $64,401 and $80,301 as of early 2024. This data often includes factors like benefits and can reflect more real-time market conditions.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your base salary is just a starting point. Several key factors can significantly increase your earnings as a radiologic technologist in Texas.
### Level of Education
While an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) is the most common and required degree for entry into the field, pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Radiologic Sciences can open doors to higher-paying roles. A bachelor's degree is often a prerequisite for leadership, administrative, or educational positions, such as a lead technologist, radiology department manager, or clinical instructor—all of which command higher salaries.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most direct influencers of your salary. As you gain hands-on skills, improve your efficiency, and prove your reliability, your value to an employer increases. Here is a typical progression you might expect in Texas:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Expect to earn in the range of $50,000 to $65,000 as you build your core competencies.
- Mid-Career (3-9 years): With solid experience, your salary can climb to $66,000 to $78,000, and you may take on more complex procedures or training responsibilities.
- Senior-Level (10+ years): Highly experienced technologists, especially those with specialized skills, can command salaries of $80,000 to $98,000+.
### Geographic Location
In a state as large as Texas, where you work matters. Major metropolitan areas with higher costs of living and a greater concentration of large medical centers typically offer higher salaries to attract top talent.
Based on BLS data, here’s a look at how average annual salaries can differ across Texas:
| Metropolitan Area | Average Annual Salary |
| :--- | :--- |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $74,850 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $75,540 |
| Austin-Round Rock | $72,570 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $68,300 |
| East Texas Nonmetropolitan Area | $62,170 |
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023*
As you can see, working in major hubs like Houston or Dallas can result in an annual salary that is over $10,000 higher than in more rural, nonmetropolitan parts of the state.
### Company Type
The type of facility you work for also plays a role in your compensation package.
- Large Hospitals and Medical Centers: These employers typically offer the highest salaries and most comprehensive benefits packages. They also provide more opportunities for specialization and career advancement.
- Outpatient Imaging Centers: These centers offer competitive salaries and often have a more predictable, 9-to-5 work schedule with no on-call or holiday shifts, which can be a valuable lifestyle benefit.
- Physician Offices: Salaries may be slightly lower than in hospitals, but the work environment is often smaller and less fast-paced.
- Government/Federal Facilities (e.g., VA Hospitals): These jobs offer strong job security and excellent government benefits, with salaries that are competitive with the private sector.
### Area of Specialization
This is perhaps the most powerful way to boost your earning potential. After earning your primary certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), you can pursue advanced certifications in high-demand modalities. These specialized roles require additional training and expertise, which employers are willing to pay a premium for.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Tech: CT technologists often earn $5,000 to $10,000 more per year than general radiographers.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Tech: This is one of the highest-paying specializations. MRI technologists in Texas can earn an average of $80,000 to $90,000+.
- Mammography Tech: Specializing in breast imaging is another way to increase your salary and play a critical role in early cancer detection.
- Interventional Radiography (IR) Tech: These techs assist with complex, minimally invasive procedures and can earn significantly higher salaries due to the high-stakes nature of their work.
Job Outlook
The future for radiologic technologists in Texas is incredibly bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth rate for the profession nationwide between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This demand is driven by several factors:
- An aging population that requires more diagnostic imaging for age-related medical conditions.
- Advancements in imaging technology that expand its use in diagnosing and treating diseases.
- The continued population growth in Texas, which increases the overall demand for healthcare services.
This strong and sustained demand ensures excellent job security and continued wage growth for professionals in the field.
Conclusion
A career as a radiologic technologist in Texas is a fantastic choice for individuals seeking a stable, well-compensated, and meaningful role in healthcare. With a strong average salary and a clear path to increasing your earnings through experience, specialization, and strategic career choices, your financial and professional growth is in your hands.
For anyone considering this path, the outlook is clear: Texas offers a robust job market, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to build a long-lasting career at the forefront of medical innovation.