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Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist Salary in the United States

How much does a Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist in the United States is $130,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.

However, a Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $153,297
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $117,636 to $142,509
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $105,778
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist Salaries

A Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor (3-5 years): $98,070
  • Diagnostic Imaging Manager (5+ years): $113,098
  • Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist (5+ years): $130,660
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor3-5 years$98,070
Diagnostic Imaging Manager5+ years$113,098
Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist5+ years$130,660
View as Graph

How Do Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologists Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $144,667.
  • California: $144,118.
  • Massachusetts: $142,197.

Top Paying Cities for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist

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: $164,801
  • San Francisco: $162,997
  • Oakland: $159,562

Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $138,594. While startup companies pay approximate $118,102.

Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $118,102
Growth Stage 51~500 $124,672
Established 501~5000 $134,062
Enterprise 5000+ $138,594

Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$156,792$75.020%

How Education impacts an Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $106,875 and $114,184.

Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.2%
High School 19.4%
Associates 16.1%
Bachelors 41.9%
Masters 16.1%
Doctorate 3.2%
View as Graph

Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist'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 August 01, 2026
$117,636
Average $130,660/year
$142,509
$9,803
Average $10,888/month
$11,876
$2,262
Average $2,513/week
$2,741
$57
Average $63/hour
$69
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $142,509 $11,876 $2,741 $69
Average $130,660 $10,888 $2,513 $63
25th Percentile $117,636 $9,803 $2,262 $57

Most common benefits for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist

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

Common company salaries for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist

Here are companies hiring for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist

1. Where can a Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist earn the most?

A Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist is $164,801.

2. What is the highest pay for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist?

The highest pay for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist is $153,297.

3. What is the lowest pay for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist?

The lowest pay for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist is $105,778.

4. What are the responsibilities of Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist?

Directs the Diagnostic Imaging Department's operations including nuclear medicine, MRI, radiology, computer-assisted tomography and ultrasound. Supervises new testing procedures and related protocol. Regulates the maintenance of departmental facilities, supplies, equipment, and material in a manner to promote health, comfort, and efficiency. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Chief Diagnostic Imaging Operations Technologist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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