Radiologic Technologist in New Mexico: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
New Mexico employs 1,150 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $79,940 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Mexico licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in New Mexico (May 2025)
- New Mexico median pay
- $79,940 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $59,560
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $93,250
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $104,120
- Employed in New Mexico
- 1,150
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major New Mexico markets:
- Santa Fe
- $86,000 (60 employed)
- Albuquerque
- $79,940 (600 employed)
- Las Cruces
- $75,800 (70 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Mexico
Prices in New Mexico run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 92.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $79,940 median stretches to roughly $86,703 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in New Mexico (2024–2034)
New Mexico is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +7.4%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 80 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Mexico License and Certification Requirements
No state professional license; ARRT (Radiography) certification — regulated by the No New Mexico professional license — ARRT certification is the standard.
- New Mexico does not require a separate professional 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 New Mexico professional license — ARRT certification is the standard →
Training in New Mexico
Employers require ARRT even without a state professional license. Community-college radiography programs are the affordable route.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Mexico include:
- Central New Mexico Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Clovis Community College — Associate
- Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College — Associate
- Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus — Certificate / Associate
Where Radiologic technologists Work in New Mexico
Real New Mexico hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- Presbyterian Hospital — Albuquerque
- Unm Hospital — Albuquerque
- VA Hosp — Albuquerque
- Memorial Medical Center — Las Cruces
- Lovelace Medical Center — Albuquerque
- Christus St Vincent Regional Medical Center — Santa Fe
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 New Mexico?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in New Mexico is $79,940 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $59,560, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $104,120. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in New Mexico?
No state professional license; ARRT (Radiography) certification, overseen by the No New Mexico professional license — ARRT certification is the standard. New Mexico does not require a separate professional radiographer license.
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in New Mexico?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which New Mexico metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among New Mexico metro areas, Santa Fe leads at $86,000, followed by Albuquerque ($79,940), Las Cruces ($75,800). 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 New Mexico?
Real New Mexico options include Central New Mexico Community College, Clovis Community College, Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch 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 New Mexico?
New Mexico projects radiologic technologists employment to change +7.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 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), New Mexico statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the No New Mexico professional 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 New Mexico wages · New Mexico 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.