Back to the national Radiologic Technologist profile

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

Allied healthcare

Washington employs 4,130 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $102,090 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.

What Radiologic technologists Earn in Washington (May 2025)

Washington median pay: $102,090 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $66,570
Experienced (75th percentile): $121,560
Top earners (90th percentile): $132,060
Employed in Washington: 4,130
U.S. median (for comparison): $77,660 (May 2024)

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

Seattle–Tacoma: $105,200 (2,130 employed)
Tri-Cities: $96,830 (150 employed)
Olympia: $95,290 (120 employed)
Spokane: $83,050 (520 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Washington

Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $102,090 median is worth closer to $95,411 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)

Washington is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +15.2%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 360 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Washington License and Certification Requirements

Radiologic Technologist (RT) license — regulated by the Washington State Department of Health.

Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program (typically a 2-year associate degree) covering radiographic positioning, radiation physics, protection, and clinical practice.
Pass the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) national board exam in your modality (R.T.(R) for radiography, or relevant specialty).
Apply to the WA Department of Health for your RT license. Renew annually with continuing education.

Official requirements: Washington State Department of Health →

Training in Washington

University of Washington, Bellevue College, and Spokane Community College run JRCERT-accredited programs. Major health systems — Providence, Swedish, MultiCare, and UW Medicine — are the primary employers. Seattle's large hospital network creates steady demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:

Bates Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Bellevue College — Certificate / Associate / Bachelor's
Bellingham Technical College — Associate
Carrington College-Spokane — Associate

Where Radiologic technologists Work in Washington

Real Washington hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:

VA Hosp — American Lake
Swedish Medical Center — Seattle
Prov Sacred Hrt Med Ctr & Childs Hosp. — Spokane
Madigan Gen Hosp — Tacoma
VA Puget Sound Health Care System — Seattle
Tacoma General Allenmore Hospital — Tacoma

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 Washington?

The median wage for radiologic technologists in Washington is $102,090 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $66,570, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $132,060. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Radiologic Technologist (RT) license, overseen by the Washington State Department of Health. Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program (typically a 2-year associate degree) covering radiographic positioning, radiation physics, protection, and clinical practice.

Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in Washington?

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

Which Washington metros pay radiologic technologists the most?

Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $105,200, followed by Tri-Cities ($96,830), Olympia ($95,290). 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 Washington?

Real Washington options include Bates Technical College, Bellevue College, Bellingham 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 Washington?

Washington projects radiologic technologists employment to change +15.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 360 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Department of 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 Washington wages · Washington 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.