Radiologic Technologist in South Carolina: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
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South Carolina employs 3,630 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $69,600 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Carolina licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in South Carolina (May 2025)
- South Carolina median pay
- $69,600 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $51,860
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $82,560
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $96,020
- Employed in South Carolina
- 3,630
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major South Carolina markets:
- Charlotte
- $78,950 (2,470 employed)
- Columbia
- $74,080 (700 employed)
- Charleston
- $72,730 (640 employed)
- Greenville
- $68,700 (770 employed)
- Spartanburg
- $67,040 (230 employed)
- Augusta
- $64,190 (450 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in South Carolina
Prices in South Carolina run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 93.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $69,600 median stretches to roughly $74,280 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Carolina (2024–2034)
South Carolina is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +6.8%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 220 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Carolina License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ARRT (Radiography) certification — regulated by the No South Carolina state license — ARRT certification is the standard.
- South Carolina does not require a separate state 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 South Carolina state license — ARRT certification is the standard →
Training in South Carolina
Community/technical-college radiography programs are the affordable route, and ARRT is portable nationwide.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Carolina include:
- Aiken Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Anderson University — Bachelor's
- Central Carolina Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Charleston Southern University — Bachelor's
Where Radiologic technologists Work in South Carolina
Real South Carolina hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital — Greenville
- Spartanburg Medical Center — Spartanburg
- Musc Medical Center — Charleston
- Prisma Health Richland Hospital — Columbia
- US Naval Hosp — Charleston
- G Werber Bryan Psych Hosp — Columbia
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 South Carolina?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in South Carolina is $69,600 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $51,860, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $96,020. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in South Carolina?
No state license; ARRT (Radiography) certification, overseen by the No South Carolina state license — ARRT certification is the standard. South Carolina does not require a separate state radiographer license.
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in South Carolina?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which South Carolina metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among South Carolina metro areas, Charlotte leads at $78,950, followed by Columbia ($74,080), Charleston ($72,730). 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 South Carolina?
Real South Carolina options include Aiken Technical College, Anderson University, Central Carolina 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 South Carolina?
South Carolina projects radiologic technologists employment to change +6.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 220 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), South Carolina statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the No South Carolina state 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 South Carolina wages · South 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.