CT Technologist Salary Guide
A computed tomography technologist is an allied health professional who uses specialized equipment to produce medical images. CT scanners take cross-sectional images, which are much more detailed than standard X-rays. Common duties include reviewing imaging orders, administering contrast materials and giving patients instructions during each scan. As a CT technologist, you must be able to maneuver heavy equipment and assist patients with limited mobility. You may even have to perform scans on unconscious patients.
How do you become a CT technologist?
The first step in becoming a CT technologist is earning an associate or a bachelor's degree in radiologic technology. Program requirements vary from one institution to another, but you should expect to complete coursework in anatomy and physiology, principles of radiographic imaging, patient care and other relevant topics.
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, 46 states require CT techs and other radiologic technologists to obtain some type of license. Each state has different requirements, so check with your licensing body to determine if you need to complete additional education or training.
What credentials/licensing does a CT technologist require?
Before applying for a license, you must obtain a national radiologic technology certification in some states. Even if your state doesn't have this requirement, you may be able to advance your career by obtaining professional certification. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers the Computed Tomography RT certification, which helps demonstrate your competence as a CT tech.
To sit for the exam, you must already have an ARRT certification in radiography, sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, radiation therapy or nuclear medicine technology. You must also comply with the ARRT Standards of Ethics and pass a standardized test.
Average CT Technologist Salary
$44.42/hour
The average salary for a CT Technologist is $44.42 per hour. This is 9% higher than the practicing US average of $40.35.
Last updated on December 20, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Salaries for CT Technologist compared to Allied Health Professional National Averages
$44.42/hour
9% higher than the practicing US average.
$40.35/hour
United States
Where do CT Technologists get paid the most?
| State | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $70 | $97 |
| California | $55 | $80 |
| New York | $53 | $60 |
| Idaho | $51 | $62 |
| Hawaii | $49 | $69 |
| Colorado | $46 | $58 |
| Missouri | $40 | $52 |
| North Carolina | $39 | $47 |
| Texas | $39 | $51 |
| Illinois | $39 | $51 |
| Virginia | $39 | $57 |
| Wisconsin | $38 | $53 |
| Pennsylvania | $38 | $53 |
| South Carolina | $38 | $41 |
| Georgia | $33 | $39 |
| Florida | $32 | $46 |
| Massachusetts | $30 | $42 |
| Arizona | $30 | $40 |
| Michigan | $27 | $100 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for CT Technologist jobs?
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | $60 | $73 |
| Legacy Health | $59 | $59 |
| Adventist Health | $54 | $63 |
| Community Medical Centers | $51 | $51 |
| Montefiore Medical Center | $51 | $52 |
| ChristianaCare | $51 | $51 |
| Protouch Staffing - Permanent | $48 | $48 |
| Stability Direct | $45 | $59 |
| UCHealth (Colorado) | $45 | $48 |
| St. Luke's Health System | $44 | $44 |
Last updated on December 20, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.
CT Technologist Career Guide
Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.
Go to the guideTop CT Technologist Jobs
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- Advocate South Suburban Hospital
- Hazel Crest, IL
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- Advocate Condell Medical Center
- Libertyville, IL
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- Sign-On Bonus
CT Technologist
- Aurora Saint Luke's Medical Center
- Milwaukee, WI
- Nights
CT Technologist
- Advocate South Suburban Hospital
- Hazel Crest, IL
- Flexible
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- Aurora Medical Center Kenosha
- Kenosha, WI
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How can you increase your pay as a CT technologist?
Additional schooling may also help you qualify for jobs with higher salaries. For example, you may want to obtain a bachelor's degree or complete a postgraduate certificate in a related field. If your state doesn't require certification, obtaining ARRT’s Computed Tomography RT certification is another option for increasing your earnings. To determine if another credential is worth the investment, check local job postings to see if they mention a salary premium for certified employees.
How much does a staff CT technologist make?
Staff CT technologists earned an average of $43.73 hourly, per Vivian Health's salary data for the week ending April 22, 2023. Assuming a 40-hour workweek, this works out to about $1,749 per week.
Is CT technologist a growing career?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes CT technologists in its occupational outlook data for radiologic technologists. Based on BLS data from May 2021, the demand for CT technologists should grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. If demand grows as much as expected, there should be 14,100 additional jobs available by the end of the 10-year period.
What types of employers/facilities have the most CT technologists?
Hospitals employ 58% of all radiologic technologists and technicians, including CT technologists, according to BLS data from May 2021. Another 18% of all radiologic technologists and technicians work in medical and diagnostic laboratories. Physician offices account for 14% of CT technologist employment.
Which employers/facilities have the highest pay?
Per 2021 BLS data, the federal government offers the highest wages to CT technologists. If you're interested in government employment, you may be able to work as a CT tech at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital or another federal facility. Although they account for only 3% of all radiologic technologist employment, outpatient care centers are just slightly behind the federal government in terms of salary. Hospitals, medical laboratories and diagnostic laboratories have similar median wages, so they're essentially tied for third place.
How does CT technologist pay compare to similar healthcare jobs?
CT technologist wages are often slightly higher or lower than those offered for similar healthcare jobs, depending on whether you accept a staff position or a travel assignment. For example, Vivian Health's salary data for the week ending April 22, 2023, indicates that staff radiology technicians earned an average of $41 per hour, or $2.73 less than staff CT technologists. Travel radiology technicians earned an average of $2,431 per week, just $28 more than travel CT techs.
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