Radiologic Technologist in Texas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Texas employs 20,250 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $78,630 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Texas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in Texas (May 2025)
- Texas median pay
- $78,630 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,550
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $93,830
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $102,630
- Employed in Texas
- 20,250
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major Texas markets:
- Austin
- $83,870 (1,520 employed)
- Dallas–Fort Worth
- $83,140 (5,470 employed)
- Houston
- $80,780 (5,000 employed)
- San Antonio
- $78,070 (1,630 employed)
- El Paso
- $72,810 (480 employed)
- McAllen
- $59,870 (490 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Texas
Prices in Texas run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $78,630 median stretches to roughly $80,978 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Texas (2024–2034)
Texas is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +17.7%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,390 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Texas License and Certification Requirements
General Medical Radiologic Technologist (GMRT) certificate — regulated by the Texas Medical Board — Board of Medical Radiologic Technology.
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate degree at a Texas community college).
- Pass the ARRT national certification exam — it supports your Texas eligibility but does not replace the state certificate.
- Apply to the Texas Medical Board for the GMRT certificate (~$130 including the Texas Jurisprudence exam), plus a fingerprint background check. Renewal requires 24 CE hours every 24 months.
Official requirements: Texas Medical Board — Board of Medical Radiologic Technology →
Training in Texas
Texas community colleges with JRCERT radiography programs include Houston Community College, Dallas College El Centro, Austin Community College, and St. Philip's College in San Antonio. Programs are competitive — apply early and complete prerequisites first.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Texas include:
- Alvin Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Amarillo College — Certificate / Associate
- Angelina College — Certificate / Associate
- Austin Community College District — Certificate / Associate
Where Radiologic technologists Work in Texas
Real Texas hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- Methodist Hospital — San Antonio
- VA Hosp — Waco
- Memorial Hermann Hospital System — Houston
- Houston Methodist Hospital — Houston
- Baptist Medical Center — San Antonio
- VA Hosp — Houston
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 Texas?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in Texas is $78,630 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,550, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $102,630. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in Texas?
General Medical Radiologic Technologist (GMRT) certificate, overseen by the Texas Medical Board — Board of Medical Radiologic Technology. Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate degree at a Texas community college).
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Texas?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which Texas metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among Texas metro areas, Austin leads at $83,870, followed by Dallas–Fort Worth ($83,140), Houston ($80,780). 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 Texas?
Real Texas options include Alvin Community College, Amarillo College, Angelina 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 Texas?
Texas projects radiologic technologists employment to change +17.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,390 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), Texas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the Texas Medical Board — Board of Medical Radiologic Technology (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 Texas wages · Texas 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.