Radiologic Technologist in Kentucky: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Kentucky employs 3,630 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $69,670 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kentucky licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in Kentucky (May 2025)
- Kentucky median pay
- $69,670 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $51,740
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,370
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $99,170
- Employed in Kentucky
- 3,630
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Kentucky markets:
- Cincinnati
- $79,270 (1,650 employed)
- Huntington
- $79,090 (360 employed)
- Lexington
- $79,010 (660 employed)
- Louisville/Jefferson County
- $76,860 (1,200 employed)
- Bowling Green
- $76,080 (120 employed)
- Clarksville
- $62,380 (110 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kentucky
Prices in Kentucky run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $69,670 median stretches to roughly $77,239 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kentucky (2024–2034)
Kentucky is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +9.2%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 250 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kentucky License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Radiographer (state credential) + ARRT — regulated by the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging & Radiation Therapy (KBMIRT).
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate).
- Pass the ARRT exam.
- Apply for Kentucky credentialing through KBMIRT — Kentucky regulates medical imaging.
Official requirements: Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging & Radiation Therapy (KBMIRT) →
Training in Kentucky
Kentucky requires state credentialing in addition to ARRT. Community-college radiography programs are the affordable route.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kentucky include:
- ATA College — Certificate / Associate
- American National University-Louisville — Associate
- Ashland Community and Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Bellarmine University — Bachelor's
Where Radiologic technologists Work in Kentucky
Real Kentucky hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- Norton Hospital / Norton Healthcare Pavilion / Nor — Louisville
- Uofl Health - Jewish Hospital — Louisville
- University of Kentucky Hospital — Lexington
- St Elizabeth Medical Center North — Edgewood
- Baptist Health Louisville — Louisville
- Western State Hospital — Hopkinsville
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 Kentucky?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in Kentucky is $69,670 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $51,740, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $99,170. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Kentucky?
Licensed Radiographer (state credential) + ARRT, overseen by the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging & Radiation Therapy (KBMIRT). Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate).
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Kentucky?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which Kentucky metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among Kentucky metro areas, Cincinnati leads at $79,270, followed by Huntington ($79,090), Lexington ($79,010). 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 Kentucky?
Real Kentucky options include ATA College, American National University-Louisville, Ashland Community and Technical College. Most radiologic technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Radiologic Technologist a growing career in Kentucky?
Kentucky projects radiologic technologists employment to change +9.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 250 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), Kentucky statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging & Radiation Therapy (KBMIRT) (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 Kentucky wages · Kentucky 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.