Radiologic Technologist in Pennsylvania: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Pennsylvania employs 8,090 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $76,050 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Pennsylvania licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in Pennsylvania (May 2025)
- Pennsylvania median pay
- $76,050 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $56,430
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $82,080
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $97,740
- Employed in Pennsylvania
- 8,090
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Pennsylvania markets:
- Philadelphia metro
- $80,190 (4,130 employed)
- Lehigh Valley
- $76,530 (690 employed)
- Lancaster
- $73,910 (320 employed)
- Harrisburg
- $73,740 (470 employed)
- Scranton–Wilkes-Barre
- $68,740 (360 employed)
- Pittsburgh
- $67,870 (1,350 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Pennsylvania
Prices in Pennsylvania run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $76,050 median stretches to roughly $77,920 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Pennsylvania (2024–2034)
Pennsylvania is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +2.5%, slower than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 500 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Pennsylvania License and Certification Requirements
None required by the state; ARRT certification effectively mandatory — regulated by the No PA state license — ARRT certification is the employer standard.
- Pennsylvania is one of the few large states that doesn't license radiologic technologists — but hospitals universally require ARRT certification, so the path is identical in practice.
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (2-year associate degree) and pass the ARRT exam.
- Note: a licensure bill has been under consideration in Harrisburg — requirements may formalize; ARRT certification future-proofs you either way.
Official requirements: No PA state license — ARRT certification is the employer standard →
Training in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's hospital density (UPMC, Penn Medicine, Geisinger, Jefferson) is among the nation's highest per capita. Community college programs (CCAC in Pittsburgh, CCP in Philadelphia, HACC in Harrisburg) are the affordable route.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Pennsylvania include:
- All-State Career School — Certificate / Associate
- Alvernia University — Associate / Bachelor's
- Bucks County Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Butler County Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Radiologic technologists Work in Pennsylvania
Real Pennsylvania hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- Upmc Presbyterian Shadyside — Pittsburgh
- Lehigh Valley Hospital — Allentown
- Lebanon VA Medical Center — Lebanon
- Coatesville VA Medical Center — Coatesville
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital — Philadelphia
- Temple University Hospital — Philadelphia
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 Pennsylvania?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in Pennsylvania is $76,050 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $56,430, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $97,740. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Pennsylvania?
None required by the state; ARRT certification effectively mandatory, overseen by the No PA state license — ARRT certification is the employer standard. Pennsylvania is one of the few large states that doesn't license radiologic technologists — but hospitals universally require ARRT certification, so the path is identical in practice.
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Pennsylvania?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which Pennsylvania metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among Pennsylvania metro areas, Philadelphia metro leads at $80,190, followed by Lehigh Valley ($76,530), Lancaster ($73,910). 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 Pennsylvania?
Real Pennsylvania options include All-State Career School, Alvernia University, Bucks County 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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania projects radiologic technologists employment to change +2.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 500 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), Pennsylvania statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the No PA 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 Pennsylvania wages · Pennsylvania 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.