Radiologic Technologist in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
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Arkansas employs 2,210 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $63,640 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $63,640 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $46,810
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $78,480
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $94,180
- Employed in Arkansas
- 2,210
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Arkansas markets:
- Texarkana
- $77,810 (150 employed)
- Fayetteville
- $77,300 (420 employed)
- Little Rock
- $73,830 (630 employed)
- Memphis
- $66,320 (890 employed)
- Fort Smith
- $64,410 (190 employed)
- Jonesboro
- $61,630 (140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas
Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,640 median stretches to roughly $73,234 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +12.0%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 150 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ARRT (Radiography) certification — regulated by the No Arkansas state license — ARRT certification is the standard.
- Arkansas does not require a separate state radiographer license.
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate).
- Pass the ARRT exam and earn the R.T.(R) credential — employers require it.
Official requirements: No Arkansas state license — ARRT certification is the standard →
Training in Arkansas
Employers require ARRT even without a state license. Community-college radiography programs are the affordable route.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:
- Arkansas Northeastern College — Certificate / Associate
- Arkansas State University — Certificate / Associate / Bachelor's
- Arkansas State University Mid-South — Certificate / Associate
- Arkansas State University-Beebe — Certificate / Associate
Where Radiologic technologists Work in Arkansas
Real Arkansas hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- VA Hosp — North Little Rock
- Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock — Little Rock
- Chi St Vincent Infirmary — Little Rock
- Unity Health White County Medical Center — Searcy
- Baptist Health - Fort Smith — Fort Smith
- VA Hosp — Little Rock
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want healthcare without becoming a nurse or physician.
Think twice if: You dislike hospitals, patient contact, standing, or precise technical routines.
Why it's resilient: Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
First Steps
Find accredited radiography programs and compare clinical placement requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists make in Arkansas?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in Arkansas is $63,640 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,810, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $94,180. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Arkansas?
No state license; ARRT (Radiography) certification, overseen by the No Arkansas state license — ARRT certification is the standard. Arkansas does not require a separate state radiographer license.
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Arkansas?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which Arkansas metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among Arkansas metro areas, Texarkana leads at $77,810, followed by Fayetteville ($77,300), Little Rock ($73,830). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Radiologic Technologist in Arkansas?
Real Arkansas options include Arkansas Northeastern College, Arkansas State University, Arkansas State University Mid-South. Most radiologic technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Radiologic Technologist a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects radiologic technologists employment to change +12.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 150 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the No Arkansas state license — ARRT certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.