The best-paid diagnostic radiology technologists, MRI specialists, have enjoyed pay raises of an average 8.2% over the past three years, according to a survey released this month by ASRT, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
MRI techs earned an average annual salary of $76,177 in 2019 and are averaging $82,395 in 2022.
Overall, technologists across all modalities saw their pay rise 11.2%, to an average $77,027, during that window.
More findings from the survey, which drew completed responses from 10,775 techs (8% of practicing ASRT members):
- X-ray techs had the largest collective pay hike, 12.8%, which took them from $57,865 in 2019 to $65,246 in 2022.
- CT techs went from $69,896 to $78,159, an increase of 11.8%.
- Mammographers followed, rising 10.6% to $79,323 this year from $71,725 three years ago.
The top earners among all radiologic technologists work in medical dosimetry—2022 average annual salary, $131,766—and breast MRI, at $119,944.
In addition, outside of diagnostic circles, radiation therapists are now averaging $96,650 per year. That’s up 8.4% from $89,159 in 2019.
In a news release relaying the above findings, ASRT notes radiologic technologists’ overall satisfaction with their earnings: Half the field said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their benefits, while almost as many, 47%, said the same of their pay.
ASRT also points out that California pays techs the highest annual aggregated salary—$114,123—and the District of Columbia is the runner-up at $96,954.
Regional variations aside, the 2022 survey “shows consistent gains across all practice areas,” John Culbertson, ASRT’s director of research, says in the release. “One should keep in mind the impact of the pandemic and rising inflation as contributing factors during this time period.”
The full survey report is free to ASRT members and available for purchase by non-members.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.