Back to the national Radiologic Technologist profile

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

Allied healthcare

Virginia employs 5,140 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $80,670 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Radiologic technologists Earn in Virginia (May 2025)

Virginia median pay: $80,670 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $60,000
Experienced (75th percentile): $95,870
Top earners (90th percentile): $106,170
Employed in Virginia: 5,140
U.S. median (for comparison): $77,660 (May 2024)

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

Washington DC metro: $97,390 (3,170 employed)
Richmond: $80,600 (1,130 employed)
Charlottesville: $79,560 (200 employed)
Virginia Beach–Norfolk: $77,290 (1,050 employed)
Roanoke: $75,710 (340 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia

Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $80,670 median is worth closer to $79,792 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)

Virginia is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +5.2%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 310 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Virginia License and Certification Requirements

Radiologic Technologist license (Virginia requires state licensure) — regulated by the Virginia Board of Medicine / Virginia Department of Health Professions.

Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate degree at a Virginia community college or hospital-based school).
Pass the ARRT Radiography examination to earn your national certification credential.
Apply for the Virginia Radiologic Technologist license through the Department of Health Professions with proof of ARRT certification. Maintain ARRT certification and renew the Virginia license biennially with continuing education.

Official requirements: Virginia Board of Medicine / Virginia Department of Health Professions →

Training in Virginia

JRCERT-accredited Virginia programs include those at Northern Virginia Community College, Tidewater Community College, Virginia Western Community College, and Piedmont Virginia Community College. Virginia's large hospital systems — Inova (Northern VA), Sentara (Hampton Roads), VCU Health and Bon Secours (Richmond) — are the primary employers and often work with accredited programs for clinical placements.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:

American National University — Associate
Averett University — Bachelor's
Blue Ridge Community College — Certificate / Associate
Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging — Certificate / Associate

Where Radiologic technologists Work in Virginia

Real Virginia hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Virginia — Portsmouth
Inova Fairfax Hospital — Falls Church
Medical College of Virginia Hospitals — Richmond
Cjw Medical Center — Richmond
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital — Roanoke
Uva Health Sciences Center — Charlottesville

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 Virginia?

The median wage for radiologic technologists in Virginia is $80,670 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $60,000, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $106,170. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Radiologic Technologist license (Virginia requires state licensure), overseen by the Virginia Board of Medicine / Virginia Department of Health Professions. Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate degree at a Virginia community college or hospital-based school).

Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Virginia?

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

Which Virginia metros pay radiologic technologists the most?

Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $97,390, followed by Richmond ($80,600), Charlottesville ($79,560). 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 Virginia?

Real Virginia options include American National University, Averett University, Blue Ridge 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 Virginia?

Virginia projects radiologic technologists employment to change +5.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 310 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), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the Virginia Board of Medicine / Virginia Department of Health Professions (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 Virginia wages · Virginia 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.