Radiologic Technologist in Louisiana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
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Louisiana employs 3,370 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $63,680 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Louisiana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in Louisiana (May 2025)
- Louisiana median pay
- $63,680 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,030
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $76,240
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $82,830
- Employed in Louisiana
- 3,370
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Louisiana markets:
- New Orleans
- $70,740 (770 employed)
- Shreveport
- $64,630 (320 employed)
- Slidell
- $63,980 (230 employed)
- Baton Rouge
- $63,450 (630 employed)
- Lafayette
- $61,770 (330 employed)
- Lake Charles
- $60,020 (120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Louisiana
Prices in Louisiana run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,680 median stretches to roughly $72,200 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Louisiana (2024–2034)
Louisiana is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +0.9%, slower than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 190 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Louisiana License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Radiologic Technologist — regulated by the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (LSRTBE).
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate).
- Pass the ARRT exam.
- Apply for a Louisiana radiologic technologist license through the LSRTBE — Louisiana does license radiographers.
Official requirements: Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (LSRTBE) →
Training in Louisiana
Unlike some states, Louisiana requires a state license in addition to ARRT. Community-college radiography programs are the affordable route.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Louisiana include:
- Baton Rouge Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Baton Rouge General Medical Center School of Nursing & School of Radiologic Technology — Certificate
- Bossier Parish Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College — Certificate
Where Radiologic technologists Work in Louisiana
Real Louisiana hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center — Baton Rouge
- Ochsner Medical Center — New Orleans
- Willis Knighton Medical Center, Inc — Shreveport
- East Jefferson General Hospital — Metairie
- VA Hosp — New Orleans
- Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center — Lafayette
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 Louisiana?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in Louisiana is $63,680 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,030, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $82,830. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Louisiana?
Licensed Radiologic Technologist, overseen by the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (LSRTBE). Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate).
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Louisiana?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which Louisiana metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among Louisiana metro areas, New Orleans leads at $70,740, followed by Shreveport ($64,630), Slidell ($63,980). 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 Louisiana?
Real Louisiana options include Baton Rouge Community College, Baton Rouge General Medical Center School of Nursing & School of Radiologic Technology, Bossier Parish Community 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 Louisiana?
Louisiana projects radiologic technologists employment to change +0.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 190 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), Louisiana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (LSRTBE) (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 Louisiana wages · Louisiana 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.