Do you enjoy helping people, solving problems, and working in a fast-paced environment? A career as a Registered Nurse could be the perfect fit for you!
Love technology and want to help people? As a radiologic technologist, you’ll capture images doctors need to diagnose and treat patients—combining high-tech skills with compassionate care.
Do you enjoy helping people, solving problems, and working in a fast-paced environment? A career as a Registered Nurse could be the perfect fit for you!
All data shown on this page reflects the six-county Heart of Texas region: Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties.
Associate Degree
Minimum Education Required
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS & TECHNICIANS
Career Overview
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2034) are vital members of the healthcare team, using advanced imaging technology to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. They operate X-ray and other equipment, ensure scans are accurate and safe, and provide clear images that guide medical decisions. Working in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic centers, they play a crucial role in patient care.
Starting Annual Salary
2022-2032 Job Growth
Minimum Education
Associate Degree
HRTX college training programs are listed below. Click the links to view each college’s program web page.
About Radiologic Technologists & Techicians
What do Radiologic Technologists & Technicians do?
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians do far more than just take X-rays—they’re imaging experts who help doctors see inside the body to diagnose injuries and illnesses. In this section, you’ll discover what the career is really like, from the kinds of scans you’ll perform and the skills you’ll need, to the top job titles in demand here in the Heart of Texas. You’ll also explore the different places “rad techs” work, what employers are looking for, and the paycheck potential that comes with this rewarding, hands-on health care career.
$53,277
2023 Starting Annual Salary
$69,710
2023 Mean Annual Salary
$77,927
2023 Eperienced Annual Salary
$25.61
2023 Starting Hourly Wage
$33.51
2023 Mean Hourly Wage
$37.46
2023 Experienced Hourly Wage
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians can build a stable and rewarding career with strong earning potential and plenty of room to grow. As you gain experience or specialize in advanced imaging, your paycheck can rise along with your career opportunities. Use the Texas Reality Check tool linked below to see how this future salary could support your lifestyle.
Radiologic Technologists
Perform diagnostic imaging exams such as X-rays to help doctors identify injuries and illnesses.
X-Ray Technicians
Capture clear, accurate X-rays that give doctors the inside view needed to treat patients.
Travel Interventional Radiology Technologists
Assist with advanced, image-guided procedures like placing stents or catheters while on the move between facilities.
Travel Radiology Technicians
Take on short-term assignments in different locations, providing imaging support where it’s needed most.
Multi-Modality Technologists
Operate multiple imaging machines, such as X-ray, CT, or MRI, to provide a wide range of diagnostic scans.
Clinic Radiologic Technologists
Work in clinics to provide convenient imaging services directly to patients outside of hospital settings.
Radiologic technology offers more than one path—you can choose from different roles depending on your interests and skills. From taking X-rays to assisting with advanced procedures or even traveling to provide care where it’s needed most, this list of job titles show the variety of opportunities in demand within the region.
Set Up Imaging Equipment
Adjust machines and exposure settings so doctors get the best possible exam images.
Position Patients
Help patients onto the table and move the equipment to capture clear images of the exact area the doctor needs to see.
Review Images
Check X-rays or scans to make sure the pictures are clear and accurate before they go to the doctor.
Monitor Patients
Watch how patients respond during scans and let physicians know if something seems off.
Explain Procedures
Walk patients through what to expect and make sure they feel safe and comfortable during their scan.
Read Physician Requests
Look over instructions from doctors to know which type of scan and body part needs imaging.
Radiologic technologists do much more than snap pictures—they play a hands-on role in patient care every day. From positioning patients and operating imaging equipment to reviewing scans and ensuring safety, their work helps doctors make accurate diagnoses. This list gives you a peek into daily tasks performed by radiologic technologists and technicians.
Medicine & Dentistry
Applying medical knowledge to capture the right images and help doctors diagnose and treat patients.
Customer & Personal Service
Operating complex imaging machines and troubleshooting technology to ensure clear, accurate results.
Administrative
Keeping detailed patient records, following safety protocols, and staying organized on the job.
Computers & Electronics
Operating complex imaging machines and troubleshooting technology to ensure clear, accurate results.
English Language
Using strong reading and communication skills to follow instructions, explain scans, and document results.
Education & Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Radiologic technologists rely on a mix of knowledge every day. From understanding the human body and operating advanced imaging equipment to caring for patients and following safety rules, these skills ensure accurate results while keeping people safe and comfortable. This list shows important knowledge areas you’ll use on the job.
Active Listening
Paying close attention to patients and coworkers, asking questions, and making sure you fully understand before taking action.
Social Perceptiveness
Noticing how patients feel and understanding their reactions so you can respond with empathy and care.
Speaking
Explaining imaging procedures clearly to patients and sharing important information effectively with doctors and team members.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding medical instructions, physician notes, and technical documents to ensure accurate imaging and safe care.
Service Orientation
Always looking for ways to support patients and help them feel comfortable during their procedures.
Monitoring
Monitoring/assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Radiologic technologists depend on more than technical expertise—they need strong people and problem-solving skills too. Listening closely, explaining procedures clearly, and paying attention to detail all help keep patients safe and ensure accurate results. Check out this list of core skills that make them effective in the exam room and as part of the health care team.
General Medical & Surgical Hospitals
Work in hospital imaging departments, taking X-rays and scans to help doctors diagnose and treat patients.
Diagnostic Imaging Centers
Focus on imaging services like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, helping physicians get the clear images they need for diagnoses.
Outpatient Care Centers
Work in outpatient facilities that offer imaging and other treatments, giving patients access to care without hospital admission.
Ambulatory Health Care Services
Provide imaging support in outpatient clinics or specialty centers where patients receive care without staying overnight.
Offices of Physicians
Assist doctors by capturing medical images during office visits, giving patients convenient, on-site diagnostic services.
Home Health Care Services
Bring portable imaging equipment to patients at home, ensuring they receive vital scans and monitoring without traveling to a clinic.
Radiologic technologists and technicians aren’t limited to one workplace—they’re needed in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, and even patients’ homes. Each setting offers unique opportunities to use imaging technology and support patient care. This list shows some of the most common places you could work in the Heart of Texas region.
Education & Training
What You Need to Become a Radiologic Technologists & Technicians
Becoming a radiologic technologist takes the right mix of education, clinical training, and certification. In this section, you’ll find the 4 key steps to get started—plus multiple entry options, from short-term training to associate degree programs, along with regional schools that can help launch your career in medical imaging.
Career Entry Options
Radiologic technologists can start their careers through different paths, from short-term certificate programs to two- and four-year degrees. Each option offers a different pace and level of opportunity, and many professionals continue to grow with specialized certifications.
Regional Training Programs
McLennan Community College (MCC) offers the region’s radiologic technology program, combining classroom learning with hands-on training. This program prepares you for certification and opens doors to careers in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers.
Opportunities & Outlook
Your Future as an Radiologic Technologists & Technicians
Radiologic technologists form a small but steadily growing career field in the Heart of Texas. In 2024, there were around 237 professionals in the region, with about 15 new positions opening each year. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 10.7% between 2022 and 2032—meaning steady demand for skilled imaging experts and strong potential for career growth ahead.
Projected Growth
2024 Job Size
New Jobs Each Year
Similar Careers
Explore Other Health Care Careers
These careers are targeted occupations in the Heart of Texas region—meaning they’re in high demand, offer competitive wages, and provide strong opportunities for long-term growth. Explore other in-demand roles within the health care industry to find the right fit for you.
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$13.7
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17%
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Not specified
Dental Hygienists
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$35.36
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$29,107
13.1%
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Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
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$21.92
$45,600
9%
Postsecondary nondegree award
Hill College, McLennan Community College, Navarro College
Medical Assistants
Health Care and Social Assistance, Health Science
$14.85
$30,883
19.7%
Postsecondary nondegree award
Not specified
Pharmacy Technicians
Health Care and Social Assistance, Health Science
$15.98
$33,242
16.4%
High school diploma or equivalent
Navarro College
Physical Therapist Assistants
Health Care and Social Assistance, Health Science
$23.65
$49,200
21.9%
Associate degree
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Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Health Care and Social Assistance, Health Science
$25.61
$53,277
10.7%
Associate degree
McLennan Community College
Registered Nurses
Health Care and Social Assistance, Health Science
$31.06
$64,613
8%
Bachelor’s degree
Baylor University, Hill College, McLennan Community College, Navarro College
Respiratory Therapists
Health Care and Social Assistance, Health Science
$29.04
$60,398
13.9%
Associate degree
McLennan Community College