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Radiologic Technologist in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Tennessee employs 4,660 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $64,630 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.

What Radiologic technologists Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)

Tennessee median pay: $64,630 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $50,540
Experienced (75th percentile): $78,700
Top earners (90th percentile): $90,790
Employed in Tennessee: 4,660
U.S. median (for comparison): $77,660 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Tennessee markets:

Nashville: $76,450 (1,450 employed)
Knoxville: $68,890 (670 employed)
Memphis: $66,320 (890 employed)
Clarksville: $62,380 (110 employed)
Chattanooga: $62,090 (350 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Tennessee

Prices in Tennessee run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 91.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $64,630 median stretches to roughly $70,326 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)

Tennessee is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +2.9%, slower than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 240 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Tennessee License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Radiologic Technologist — regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health — Division of Radiological Health.

Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program (typically a 2-year associate degree) covering radiographic positioning, radiation physics, and clinical rotations.
Pass the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) national board exam in your modality (R.T.(R) for radiography, or applicable specialty).
Apply to the Tennessee Department of Health Division of Radiological Health for your state RT license. Renew every two years.

Official requirements: Tennessee Department of Health — Division of Radiological Health →

Training in Tennessee

Volunteer State Community College (Gallatin), Nashville State, and Tennessee State University offer JRCERT-accredited programs. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare (headquartered in Nashville), and Ascension Saint Thomas are major employers. Nashville's large and growing healthcare sector is the center of Tennessee's RT market.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Tennessee include:

Austin Peay State University — Bachelor's
Baptist Health Sciences University — Associate / Bachelor's
Bethel University — Bachelor's
Chattanooga State Community College — Certificate / Associate

Where Radiologic technologists Work in Tennessee

Real Tennessee hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:

Methodist Hospitals of Memphis — Memphis
Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville
Baptist Memorial Hospital — Memphis
Veterans Affairs Medical Center — Memphis
Erlanger Health System — Chattanooga
Jackson-Madison County General Hospital — Jackson

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 Tennessee?

The median wage for radiologic technologists in Tennessee is $64,630 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,540, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $90,790. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Tennessee?

Licensed Radiologic Technologist, overseen by the Tennessee Department of Health — Division of Radiological Health. Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program (typically a 2-year associate degree) covering radiographic positioning, radiation physics, and clinical rotations.

Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Tennessee?

Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.

Which Tennessee metros pay radiologic technologists the most?

Among Tennessee metro areas, Nashville leads at $76,450, followed by Knoxville ($68,890), Memphis ($66,320). 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 Tennessee?

Real Tennessee options include Austin Peay State University, Baptist Health Sciences University, Bethel University. Most radiologic technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Radiologic Technologist a growing career in Tennessee?

Tennessee projects radiologic technologists employment to change +2.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 240 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), Tennessee statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the Tennessee Department of Health — Division of Radiological Health (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 Tennessee wages · Tennessee 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.