upper level job

How much does a Radiographer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Radiographer I in the United States is $55,950 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Radiographer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $59,542
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,960 to $57,830
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,596

Key Factors That Influence Radiographer I Salaries

A Radiographer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Radiographer Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $70,570
  • San Francisco: $69,800
  • Oakland: $68,330

What Skills Can Increase a Radiographer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 3.32% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Radiation Safety (Mentioned in 3.09% Job Postings): Establishing and maintaining safety standards in handling radioactive materials to reduce unnecessary and harmful effects of radiation exposure.
  • Patient Safety (Mentioned in 1.86% Job Postings): Patient safety is a discipline and responsibility that emphasizes safety in health care through the prevention, reduction, reporting, and analysis of medical error that often leads to adverse effects. The frequency and magnitude of avoidable adverse events experienced by patients was not well known until the 1990s, when multiple countries reported staggering numbers of patients harmed and killed by medical errors. Recognizing that healthcare errors impact 1 in every 10 patients around the world, the World Health Organization calls patient safety an endemic concern. Indeed, patient safety has emerged as a distinct healthcare discipline supported by an immature yet developing scientific framework. There is a significant transdisciplinary body of theoretical and research literature that informs the science of patient safety. At the same time, efforts are being made to anchor patient safety more firmly in medical education. The resulting patient safety knowledge continually informs improvement efforts such as: applying lessons learned from business and industry, adopting innovative technologies, educating providers and consumers, enhancing error reporting systems, and developing new economic incentives.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 3.32%
Radiation Safety 3.09%
Patient Safety 1.86%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Radiographer I's salary.

  • MRI: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Diagnostic Radiology: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
MRI $64,902
16%
Innovation $63,783
14%
Diagnostic Radiology $62,105
11%

Radiographer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Radiographer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $59,385. While startup companies pay approximate $50,571.

Radiographer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,571
Growth Stage 51~500 $53,397
Established 501~5000 $57,430
Enterprise 5000+ $59,385

Radiographer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Radiographer I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Radiographer positions in Edu., Gov't & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Radiographer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Radiographer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$64,342$31.015%

Radiographer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Radiographer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$48,960
Average $55,950/year
$57,830
$4,080
Average $4,663/month
$4,819
$942
Average $1,076/week
$1,112
$24
Average $27/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,830 $4,819 $1,112 $28
Average $55,950 $4,663 $1,076 $27
25th Percentile $48,960 $4,080 $942 $24

Radiographer I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Radiographer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Radiographer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $61,600 - a projected growth of 10% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Radiographer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Radiographer I

Here are companies hiring for Radiographer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Radiographer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Radiographer I?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Radiographer I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary of a Radiographer?

The highest salary of a Radiographer is ₹72,180. The salary range for this profession typically starts at ₹57,900, with a mid-level salary of ₹64,450.

3. Is it stressful being a Radiographer?

Being a Radiographer can be stressful, with a mean perceived stress score of 27.8 indicating high levels of stress. However, the role offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $57,900, a mid-salary of $64,450, and a maximum of $72,180, reflecting the importance and demand for skilled professionals in this field.

4. How long is radiology training in USA?

After high school, it typically takes about 13 years to become a Radiologist in the USA. This includes a four-year undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and four years of residency in Diagnostic Radiology. Radiographers can expect salaries ranging from $57,900 to $72,180, with a median salary of $64,450.

5. Are radiographers in demand in USA?

The career outlook for radiographers in the USA is promising, with a strong demand for diagnostic imaging services. Salaries range from $57,900 to $72,180, with a median salary of $64,450. This demand is driven by an aging population and increasing healthcare needs, ensuring continued opportunities for radiologic technologists in the coming years.

6. Which state pays radiographers the most?

Radiographers can expect a salary range between $57,900 and $72,180, with a median salary of $64,450. While some states like California and Minnesota offer higher salaries, the average pay for radiographers varies significantly across the country. Overall, the compensation reflects the demand and cost of living in different regions.

7. What degree do you need to be a radiographer?

To become a radiographer, you need at least an associate degree in radiology technology. This qualification is essential for working as an X-ray technician and for obtaining the Registered Radiologic Technologist R.T. (R) certification. Radiographers can expect salaries ranging from $57,900 to $72,180, with a median salary of $64,450.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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