Also called: X-Ray Tech, Rad Tech
Takes X-rays and other images to help doctors diagnose injuries and disease.
Wheels a portable X-ray machine to the ICU at 6 a.m., then shoots chest X-rays, broken wrists, and a toddler who swallowed a coin. Many cross-train in CT, mammography, or MRI for higher pay.
BLS May 2024.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree in radiography plus ARRT certification; most states require a license.
Ways in: 2-year college, Certification, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Radiologic Technology, Medical Imaging.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI improves image quality and pre-reads X-rays; positioning injured patients and running portable exams stays hands-on.
Classes: Anatomy & physiology, Physics, Biology, Health-science CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-2034.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.