Radiologic Technologist in California: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
California employs 20,900 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $121,260 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact California licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in California (May 2025)
- California median pay
- $121,260 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $70,210
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $137,770
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $165,460
- Employed in California
- 20,900
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major California markets:
- San Jose / Silicon Valley
- $154,850 (1,000 employed)
- San Francisco Bay Area
- $141,780 (2,850 employed)
- Sacramento
- $135,880 (1,360 employed)
- San Diego
- $113,480 (1,770 employed)
- Los Angeles
- $108,030 (6,450 employed)
- Fresno
- $107,350 (760 employed)
- Riverside–San Bernardino
- $105,190 (2,140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in California
Prices in California run about 11% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $121,260 median is worth closer to $109,539 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in California (2024–2034)
California is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +16.7%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,510 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
California License and Certification Requirements
Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) — regulated by the California Department of Public Health — Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB).
- Complete a CDPH-approved California radiography program (typically a 2-year associate degree).
- Pass the ARRT exam; apply to CDPH-RHB for the CRT certificate ($112 per category, renewable every 2 years with 24 CE credits).
- Many California jobs also want the separate Fluoroscopy Permit — plan to add it; programs often prepare you for both.
Training in California
California pays radiologic technologists the highest median in the nation, and CDPH approval matters — verify any program against the CDPH-RHB approved school list before enrolling. Community college programs (e.g., LA City College, Merced, San Diego Mesa) are far cheaper than private options and highly competitive.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in California include:
- ATI College-Whittier — Certificate
- Allan Hancock College — Certificate / Associate
- American Career College-Anaheim — Associate
- American Career College-Los Angeles — Associate
Where Radiologic technologists Work in California
Real California hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- US Navy Medical Center San Diego — San Diego
- VA Hosp — Palo Alto
- VA Hosp — Long Beach
- Dept of State Hospitals - Napa — Napa
- VA Hosps-Brentwood & Wadsworth — Los Angeles
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center — San Jose
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 California?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in California is $121,260 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $70,210, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $165,460. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in California?
Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT), overseen by the California Department of Public Health — Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB). Complete a CDPH-approved California radiography program (typically a 2-year associate degree).
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in California?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which California metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among California metro areas, San Jose / Silicon Valley leads at $154,850, followed by San Francisco Bay Area ($141,780), Sacramento ($135,880). 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 California?
Real California options include ATI College-Whittier, Allan Hancock College, American Career College-Anaheim. Most radiologic technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Radiologic Technologist a growing career in California?
California projects radiologic technologists employment to change +16.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,510 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), California statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the California Department of Public Health — Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) (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 California wages · California 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.