Radiologic Technologist in North Carolina: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
North Carolina employs 9,250 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $74,450 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Carolina licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in North Carolina (May 2025)
- North Carolina median pay
- $74,450 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $52,860
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $83,340
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $99,210
- Employed in North Carolina
- 9,250
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major North Carolina markets:
- Durham–Chapel Hill
- $80,430 (780 employed)
- Charlotte metro
- $78,950 (2,470 employed)
- Winston-Salem
- $77,900 (770 employed)
- Asheville
- $72,680 (410 employed)
- Raleigh
- $68,210 (1,080 employed)
- Greensboro
- $67,520 (490 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Carolina
Prices in North Carolina run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $74,450 median stretches to roughly $78,950 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Carolina (2024–2034)
North Carolina is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +9.0%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 520 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Carolina License and Certification Requirements
None required by the state; ARRT certification effectively mandatory — regulated by the No NC state license — ARRT certification is the employer standard.
- North Carolina doesn't license radiologic technologists — hospitals universally require ARRT certification, so the path is identical in practice.
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (2-year associate degree).
- Pass the ARRT exam and maintain it with continuing education.
Official requirements: No NC state license — ARRT certification is the employer standard →
Training in North Carolina
Atrium, Duke, UNC Health, and Novant anchor heavy demand. NC's community college system (one of the nation's best) runs affordable JRCERT programs across the state — verify accreditation since no license backstops quality.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Carolina include:
- Alamance Community College — Associate
- Appalachian State University — Bachelor's
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Beaufort County Community College — Associate
Where Radiologic technologists Work in North Carolina
Real North Carolina hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- Cone Health — Greensboro
- Duke University Hospital — Durham
- Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center — Winston-Salem
- Ecu Health Medical Center — Greenville
- W G Hefner VA Medical Center — Salisbury
- North Carolina Baptist Hospital — Winston-Salem
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 North Carolina?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in North Carolina is $74,450 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $52,860, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $99,210. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in North Carolina?
None required by the state; ARRT certification effectively mandatory, overseen by the No NC state license — ARRT certification is the employer standard. North Carolina doesn't license radiologic technologists — hospitals universally require ARRT certification, so the path is identical in practice.
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in North Carolina?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which North Carolina metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among North Carolina metro areas, Durham–Chapel Hill leads at $80,430, followed by Charlotte metro ($78,950), Winston-Salem ($77,900). 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 North Carolina?
Real North Carolina options include Alamance Community College, Appalachian State University, Asheville-Buncombe Technical 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 North Carolina?
North Carolina projects radiologic technologists employment to change +9.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 520 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), North Carolina statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the No NC state license — ARRT certification is the employer 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 North Carolina wages · North Carolina 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.